The United States launched their home World Cup in emphatic fashion Friday, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 with a perfectly scripted opening performance to delight a star-studded home crowd in Los Angeles.
Folarin Balogun scored twice while relentless US pressure led to an early Paraguay own goal from Damian Bobadilla before substitute Gio Reyna added a late fourth to cap a dream start for Mauricio Pochettino’s side at the SoFi Stadium in Group D.
The US entered the tournament amid a swirl of uncertainty after a series of defeats and unconvincing performances in pre-World Cup friendlies.
But any doubts about their ability to progress past the first round were obliterated in a dazzling first-half display which saw them roar into a 3-0 lead to all but seal victory in the opening 45 minutes.
“Just a great start from the guys,” US star Christian Pulisic said afterwards. “The guys came out with so much energy, just a great performance and a deserved win.
“It’s just the start of a long journey. We’ve got a lot more to do. It’s really, really great start and we should be proud but we’ve got to keep pushing and be ready for the next game.”
Pop star Katy Perry got the party started with a rousing performance just before kick-off while Hollywood royalty including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Halle Berry were amongst a 70,492 crowd.
The US men rose to the occasion with a performance of flair and precision that will ignite dreams of a deep run in the tournament by the co-hosts, with group games against Australia and Turkey to come.
Wave after wave of US pressure led to Bobadilla’s opening goal after just seven minutes before Balogun — who grew up in London and represented England youth teams before pledging allegiance to the United States — bagged his brace.
The only blemish on the US performance was the conceding of a Paraguay goal from Brazil-born Mauricio in the 73rd minute after hesitancy in the hosts’ defence.
AFP
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