The United States made an excellent start to their FIFA World Cup campaign, producing a confident 4-1 win over Paraguay in front of an energetic crowd in Los Angeles. A clinical display from Folarin Balogun proved decisive as the forward scored twice to help the tournament co hosts secure three valuable points in their opening Group D fixture.
The result equals the biggest World Cup victory margin ever achieved by the United States. It matches their 3-0 successes against Paraguay and Belgium during the 1930 tournament, where the Americans finished in third place. Balogun also etched his name into the record books, becoming only the second player from the United States to score more than once in a World Cup match. The first was Bert Patenaude, who registered the competition’s first ever hat trick against Paraguay in 1930.
The home side wasted little time asserting control. Just seven minutes into the contest, pressure from the American attack forced a defensive mistake. Christian Pulisic sparked the move with a sharp burst through the Paraguayan back line before finding Weston McKennie. The midfielder delivered a dangerous ball into the area, which Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla accidentally diverted into his own goal.
The Americans continued to dominate possession and territory. Balogun thought he had doubled the lead midway through the first half, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The disappointment lasted only a few minutes. In the 31st minute, Pulisic once again turned creator, providing an accurate pass that Balogun finished emphatically.
The Monaco striker added another before the break. Malik Tillman released him with a perfectly weighted through ball, and Balogun showed composure and quality to evade a challenge before curling a superb finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill and into the top corner.
Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback after halftime. Mauricio, born in Brazil, reduced the deficit after being set up by former Brighton attacker Julio Enciso. He calmly placed his finish beyond goalkeeper Matt Freese despite the United States having controlled much of the second period.
Any hopes of a Paraguayan revival were ended in spectacular fashion deep into stoppage time. Substitute Giovanni Reyna produced the standout moment of the evening, bending a brilliant strike from around 20 yards with the outside of his right foot to seal a memorable victory.
The performance gives Mauricio Pochettino’s team early momentum and plenty of confidence as they continue their World Cup journey.
