A courageous second half by the Socceroos was not enough to make up of a woeful opening as the United States claimed a 2-0 win in their much anticipated World Cup match Saturday morning (AEST).

Coach Tony Popovic will be rueing his decision not to include World Cup scorers Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe in his run on side as the Australians were comprehensively outplayed in the first half to go to the break trailing 2-0.

Australia’s hopes of progression and sealing a top-two berth will come down to their final group match against Paraguay on June 25 (June 26 AEST) after a nightmare afternoon at Seattle Stadium US time.

The US, without injured star Christian Pulisic, battered Australia on and off the ball to take the lead in the 11th minute when defender Cameron Burgess turned a wicked ball from Folarin Balogun into his own net.

Alex Freeman then dealt the Socceroos a hammer blow by bundling home a header – that was initially ruled offside but cleared by VAR – to double the co-hosts’ lead in the 43rd.

Popovic turned to Irankunda and Metcalfe at halftime, but Australia could not claw their way back into the match, while Mathew Leckie hobbled off injured on the hour mark to add to the horror afternoon.

Popovic’s call to bench Irankunda and Metcalfe, both of whom scored in Australia’s opening 2-0 win over Turkey seemed to have cost crucial attacking chances.

Freeman was the toast of the US after scoring on the stroke of halftime. Photo: AAP

The United States leads Group D on six points and is all but assured of progressing to the knockout stages.

Australia meanwhile, is second on three points and  cannot afford to lose against Paraguay if it is to progress.

Turkey and Paraguay face off later Saturday Australian time.

Even without superstar Pulisic (calf injury), the US were on top in every element, bullying the Australians physically, dominating possession and explosive in attack.

The healthy Australian contingent in the crowd of 66,925 fans were well and truly outnumbered by their deafening US counterparts, and the Socceroos looked intimidated and nervous.

Australian fans were in force at Seattle. Photo: AAP

Australia couldn’t string passes together and were constantly under the pump.

Seattle Stadium erupted when Folarin Balogun went on a blistering run down the left, cut into the box then squared a brilliant ball that Burgess turned into his own net.

It was a nightmare game for the centre-back, who was uncharacteristically shaky on the ball and hooked at halftime.

The US doubled their lead after a free kick was worked to Sergino Dest at the top of the box.

Dest’s shot took a deflection and Freeman rose highest to head home.

It was initially called offside but after a VAR review, it was ruled Freeman was onside when Dest shot, while Balogun was not considered to have interfered with Patrick Beach.

Popovic took off Mohamed Toure, Velupillay and Burgess for Irankunda, Metcalfe and Jason Geria at halftime and saw some improvements.

Alessandro Circati brilliantly stopped Balogun making it 3-0 in the 51st minute.

Cristian Volpato made his World Cup debut when he replaced Leckie.

Volpato, Irankunda and Metcalfe had some moments, while Geria had a shot blocked, but it proved too little, too late.

-with AAP