The United States launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday, thanks largely to a first-half brace from striker Folarin Balogun. However, the impressive win was overshadowed by concerns surrounding Christian Pulisic’s fitness.
The Group D triumph provided the co-hosts with an ideal start to the tournament, with the four goals marking the highest tally the USA have ever recorded in a World Cup match. Balogun also etched his name into the history books, becoming the first American player to score twice in a World Cup fixture since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
“It’s an amazing result,” said USA captain Tim Ream. “It’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.”
The hosts made a breakthrough in the seventh minute when Pulisic skilfully split two defenders before finding Weston McKennie. His cross was turned into the net by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla for an own goal.
Following the first-half drinks break, Pulisic surged down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross to Balogun, who guided his effort beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill to double the USA’s advantage.
Balogun struck again just before the interval. Latching onto a long pass, he shrugged off a sliding challenge before firing a powerful left-footed effort into the top corner to cap a superb opening half.
The only setback for the Americans came at half-time when head coach Mauricio Pochettino substituted Pulisic due to tightness in his calf.
“It was difficult for him to walk, but I hope it is not a serious issue and that he can be ready for the next match,” Pochettino said.
Paraguay emerged after the break with greater urgency and reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, who capitalised on a defensive lapse from the hosts.
Despite conceding, the USA remained firmly in control and sealed the victory late on when Gio Reyna curled home a superb effort from the edge of the penalty area with the outside of his right foot.
“The opposition were better than us,” admitted Paraguay defender Junior Alonso.
“We improved in the second half and managed to play further forward, but there are still things we need to improve before the next match. We have two games remaining and must learn from our mistakes to produce a better performance.”
Ream believes the victory can provide crucial momentum heading into the remainder of the group stage.
“There aren’t many words to describe the feeling,” he said.
“You always want to start a tournament well. Scoring four goals and taking three points gives us confidence and sets us up strongly for the rest of the group stage.”