June 20, 2026 — 7:29am18. Patrick Beach (goalkeeper)Wasn’t as decisive as he was in the opening game, this time up against a more active US attack. May have been impeded by Folarin Balogun on the second goal but was let down by his defence. Rarely seen in the second half. 6/104. Jacob Italiano (right wingback)Balogun blew past him to set up the own goal. Battled as always and struggled to get forward due to lack of possession in the first 45 but more assertive in the second half. 6.5/103. Alessandro Circati (centre back)Gave away a yellow card for a tackle in first half. Chased down and blocked Balogun early in the second half, which was elite defending and it kept the game alive. Tried to push forward late. 7.5/10Alessandro Circati runs with the ball away from United States’ Ricardo Pepi.AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson19. Harry Souttar (centre back)Blocked shots and cleared chances in defence but the defensive chemistry from the first game wasn’t there. Picked up a late yellow card but led tirelessly again. 6.5/1021. Cameron Burgess (centre back)The own goal was unlucky as he could only deflect a low, hard cross. Tried to show leadership and blocked some dangerous US shots. Replaced at half-time to allow for a faster lineup. 5.5/105. Jordan Bos (left wingback)Forced out of position at times and gave away a yellow card. Was starved of chances to attack, but needs to find a way to get forward and link with the forwards. 4.5/1013. Aiden O’Neill (midfield)Fought hard but couldn’t distribute the ball in midfield as the US ran riot in first half. Looked a different player with Metcalfe in second half. Humorously, he teamed with Balogun to help stretch out the referee when he cramped in the final minutes. 6/10Germany’s referee Felix Zwayer is assisted by Australia’s Aiden O’Neill after cramping.AP Photo/Manu Fernandez24. Paul Okon-Engstler (midfield)Showed his class at times but struggled to get better of McKennie, Adams and the US mids. Took a cut to the head in a clash with Freeman but fought on. Showed some grit in tough conditions. 6.5/107. Mathew Leckie (midfield)Had the best chance of the first half following a layoff from Velupillay. Sadly, he appeared to hurt his hamstring on the hour mark and came off; hopefully it was only cramp. 5.5/10Australia’s Mathew Leckie chests the ball.AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson23. Nishan Velupillay (midfield)He was a shock starter and had some tidy moments, especially his layoff for Leckie, but couldn’t make an impact defensively. Replaced at half-time, perhaps better suited to coming off the bench next match. 4/109. Mohamed Toure (striker)Was starved of the ball and barely had a chance to run at the veteran US defenders. Made way for Irankunda at half-time but was left down by his teammates further up the park. 6/10Substitutes8. Connor Metcalfe (midfield)Replaced Velupillay for second half. Why didn’t he start? Brought the passing and dare missed in the first half. The Socceroos were a far better side with Metcalfe on the park. Surely he starts next time. 7.5/10Australia’s Nishan Velupillay grabs hold of the shorts of the United States’ Alex Freeman.AP Photo/Maddy Grassy17. Nestory Irankunda (striker)Replaced Toure for the second half. Gave the USA all kinds of trouble with his speed and happily created chances for teammates. Kept his cool when US tried to provoke him late. 7/106. Jason Geria (centre back)Replaced Burgess for second half. Slotted into the back three. Even had a shot on goal that was blocked. Didn’t let his team down; he rarely does. 7/10The United States’ Tyler Adams blocks a shot by Australia’s Jason Geria.AP Photo/Maddy Grassy20. Cristian Volpato (midfield)Replaced Leckie. Was set up by Irankunda for a shot on 62 minutes but blasted it over the bar when he should have hit the target. Quality player but still building chemistry in this team. Tried to draw free kicks but with little luck. 6.5/1022. Jackson Irvine (midfield)Replaced Okon-Engstler late on. Played with urgency and challenged the US. If he is fit enough to play big minutes, surely he will be considered for a bigger role against Paraguay. 6/10Get across our World Cup coverageRoy Ward is a sports writer, live blogger and breaking news journalist. He's been writing for The Age since 2010.Connect via X or email.From our partners