The USMNT has made a bright start to their World Cup campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. A 4-1 win over Paraguay changed the mood around the team, and the early signs against Australia only added to that optimism.
Previous doubts about Pochettino’s work have faded quickly. The United States look sharper, braver and more coherent than many expected before the tournament began.
There is no denying, though, that their opponents have given them some help, and that became part of history just 11 minutes into the Australia match.
USMNT becomes first World Cup team to benefit from back-to-back own goals
The United States became the first team ever to benefit from an own goal in two consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, according to Opta.
Both own goals also opened the scoring. Against Paraguay, Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a 4-1 USMNT win.
Against Australia, Cameron Burgess did the same after 11 minutes, giving Pochettino’s side another early lead.
There was even a similarity in how the goals arrived. Both plays were generated from the left side of the American attack, where the USMNT has looked dangerous across the opening stretch of the tournament.
Still, the record should not be used to dismiss the performances. Own goals can be fortunate, but they usually come from pressure, movement and defenders being forced into difficult situations.
That is what the United States have done well. They have played with tempo, attacked with conviction and made opponents uncomfortable.
The own goals have eased pressure, but they have not created a false picture. Pochettino’s team have started this World Cup campaign with genuine authority. That is a fact.
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