Socceroos star’s strike stuns but USA end unbeaten run as tempers flare in heated scenes

The Socceroos have lost for the first time under manager Tony Popovic as the United States of America came from behind to win 2-1 in their friendly in Denver, Colorado.

Jordy Bos put Australia in front in the 19th minute with a superb left foot volley, where he made something out of nothing.

The 22-year-old, who last month was awarded player of the month in the Netherlands for his brilliant form for Feyenoord, followed his throw-in into the box and continued to surge forward before eventually hammering home his second goal in national colours.

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Australia’s lead lasted just 14 minutes however, as the USA equalised through Haji Wright, who plays in the English Championship for Coventry City, after a sloppy turnover in midfield.

Wright’s leveller came shortly after US captain Christian Pulisic left the pitch injured, in what seemed to be a boost to Australia’s chances.

The Australians had been physical with Pulisic with Jason Geria receiving a yellow card for an overzealous challenge minutes before the AC Milan superstar went off.

Tensions then boiled over on the stroke of half time as Nicholas D’Agostino was fortunate not to booked for his follow through on James Sands.

The referee did not even award a free kick, much to the anger of the Americans as arguments, and spot fires broke out on the pitch.

The agitation simmered after half time with Australia starting strongly with Bos setting up a golden chance to go ahead, but Connor Metcalfe’s shot was blocked.

Moments later, Wright snuck out the back again to catch the Socceroos defenders napping after a quick free, and score a brace.

Wright cut back onto his left foot, sent Cam Burgess sliding and nailed a quality finish into the far corner, past returning Australian captain Mat Ryan in goal to end Australia’s 11 match unbeaten run.

Ryan was one of five changes made to the starting XI with Bos, Jason Geria, Nicholas D’Agostino and Martin Boyle also recalled the line-up.

Ryan later made a crucial save to prevent the Americans doubling their advantage as the game opened up slightly with the visitors chasing an equaliser.

Nestory Irankunda, who scored the decisive goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Canada in Montreal, was lively off the bench and threatened to get on the scoresheet again with an excellent run from down the left side, evading several defenders with his dribbling but his 89th minute shot was saved by Matt Freese.

Popovic and the rest of the Australian camp no doubt breathed a sigh of relief minutes earlier when Bos recovered from a heavy collision with Alex Freeman that left him on the ground and in the hands of trainers for several minutes.

The Americans had more control of the game for much of the night with 64 per cent possession, but the Socceroos were able to maintain an attacking threat throughout, only registering one less shot - ten to nine - and one less shot on target - three to four.

The difference in the end was passing accuracy with Australia operating at just 77 per cent compared to 86 per cent for the hosts, and the turnovers in the middle of the park proved costly.

They may also impact Australia’s World Cup chances as Popovic’s side had the chance to sneak into a Pot 2 seeding for next year’s tournament with a victory against one of the host nations.

Australia jumped to 24th in FIFA’s live world rankings after the win against Canada, and their impressive unbeaten run through World Cup qualifying and friendlies.

When the draw for the 2026 World Cup is made in December, the top 12 teams in the rankings who have qualified will be placed in pot one with teams ranked 13th to 24th place in pot two and so on.

If Australia can maintain 24th spot in the rankings, it should theoretically make for an easier group in the new-look 48-team tournament.

A win or a draw against former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino’s 16th ranked Americans would certainly help Australia’s chances of avoiding two heavyweights in the group stage next year.

Socceroos Starting XI: Mat Ryan (c), Jacob Italiano, Jason Geria, Alessandro Circati, Cam Burgess, Jordy Bos, Aiden O’Neill, Max Balard, Connor Metcalfe, Nicholas D’Agostino, Martin Boyle.

Substitutes: Milos Degenek, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Mohamed Toure, Ajdin Hrustic, Paul Izzo, Nestory Irankunda, Mitch Duke, Cameron Devlin, Joe Gauci, Patrick Yazbek, Hayden Matthews

USA Starting XI: Matt Freese, Chris Richards, Cristian Roldan, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic (c), Miles Robinson, James Sands, Alex Freeman, Haji Wright, Tim Weah, Mark McKenzie

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