Article #56755

• US qualify for knockout stage after victory over Australia

• Former Sweden striker says Americans are contenders

• US men’s team’s last semi-final came in 1930

After two wins in two to start the World Cup, the US have gained a high-profile supporter: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Asked on Fox’s postgame broadcast whether he thinks the co-hosts can win the World Cup, the Swede offered a simple answer: “Yes.”

Asked about Ibrahimovic’s comments after Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia, US players were uniform in their response: Sure, why not?