USA Beats Australia 3-1 to Start World Cup

By Scott Criscione | Jun 8, 2015

In the first match for the United States in the 2015 World Cup the USA beat Australia 3-1 in what was an ugly match, but a result many expected.

In the early minutes of the match it was Australia on the offensive attacking the US, forcing Hope Solo, the goalkeeper of the US, to make two beautiful saves. Eventually in the 12th minute, the US would capitalize on a chance by Megan Rapinoe that deflected off a defender giving the United States an early 1-0 lead.

Australia would respond in an aggressive fashion by pushing the United States defense back constantly. They finally broke through after catching multiple US defenders ball-watching. Australia scored thanks to Lisa De Vanna in the 27th minute. The teams would go to half with the score being 1-1.

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After a bad first half the United States gathered form when Sydney Leroux cleared space for Christen Press who scored in the 61st minute giving the United States a 2-1 lead and the eventual game winner. As Australia began to slow down and lose their aggressive form it allowed for an eventual nail in the coffin goal from Rapinoe, who after that goal was subbed out.

The United States will now play against Sweden, who played Nigeria earlier in the day and was shocked by getting a draw against a young Nigerian team. Nigeria and Australia will play each other next as well.

The group standings as of tonight are as follows:
USA – 3 points
Sweden – 1 point
Nigeria – 1 point
Australia – 0 points

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win. Tell us your feelings about the match and the upcoming matches the United States have here, and on Twitter.

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