Mauricio Pochettino’s men started their World Cup with a strong performance – and a 4-1 victory – in Los Angeles on Friday.
The US overwhelmed Paraguay in the early stages as the co-hosts scored three goals in the first half. The Americans put their opponents under pressure from the start of the match and took an early lead when Damián Bobadilla put the ball into his own net after just seven minutes.
Folarin Balogun scored twice before half-time, the second a fierce strike into the top corner, to put the US in firm control of the match. Christian Pulisic, whose club form coming into the tournament had been a source of concern, was at his creative best in 45 minutes of action. Paraguay’s goal came from Maurício midway through the second half.
Gio Reyna’s fine strike with the outside of his boot in added time completed the win.
Full report to follow …
