USA shuts out Australia as South Bend fans pack Manny’s for World Cup watch party

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The United States picked up a major World Cup win Friday, taking down Australia 2-0 in a Group D matchup.

While the match was played in Seattle, Washington, fans across the country were locked in, including at Manny’s Sports Bar in South Bend.

The matchup carried extra weight after both the U.S. and Australia entered the day with opening wins. With the victory, the United States now has two wins, six points and a strong goal differential as it looks to take control of Group D. However, the U.S. still has Turkey left to play in the group stage. A win, or even a strong result, could help the Americans secure the top spot in the group, which can be key when it comes to setting up a better path in the knockout rounds.

For local businesses like Manny’s Sports Bar, the U.S. run is also bringing in crowds and creating momentum beyond the World Cup.

“At the end of the day, we obviously want people to come and hang out at Manny’s,” said Kelsey Landsberg, manager of Manny’s Sports Bar. “We are leading into football season. We are hoping people are coming to see the World Cup and remembering us in a couple of months when Notre Dame football comes back. Just seeing everyone rallying together and get so excited, it just feels so much like a community, and it’s really fun to watch.”

The United States’ defense made a statement in the win, holding Australia scoreless and giving fans in South Bend and across the country more hope as the group stage continues.