Don’t be fooled by the opening-round blowout — a low-scoring game between the U.S. and Australia is quite likely. A veteran scout who has followed five World Cups says it straight: just because the United States scored four in the opener doesn’t mean this one is set up for goals. When the U.S. meets Australia, under 2.5 goals is the more practical standard pick. First, let’s puncture the illusion around the U.S. attack: what was the level of their opening opponent? It was nowhere near Australia’s. Against a team that sets up with five at the back and defends with strong discipline, the efficiency of the Americans’ wing play and aerial balls will immediately drop. And this U.S. side has an old habit: once they go ahead, they slow the tempo, keep the ball, and waste time. If they can win by two, they won’t push for a third — a classic team that wins but doesn’t cover. Now look at Australia. They live off their defense. In World Cup qualifying, they conceded just six goals in ten matches, and their five-man back line is tightly stitched together. Against a team like the U.S., with good physicality and pace, they will almost certainly sit deep in their own half and counterattack; they will not come out and trade attacks. Going forward, they rely mainly on set pieces and long balls to target men, with limited threat in open play. Having two or three decent chances over the full match would already be a solid return. One side eases off once in front, the other has little intention of attacking at all. Most of the match will be spent in midfield battles and recycled possession, with very few real threatening shots. In a normal game, the total goals are unlikely to reach the 2.5 line.