US thrash Paraguay in LA to launch home FIFA World Cup in style

The United States launched their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, a performance that set a new record for the most goals scored by the US in a single World Cup match. Striker Folarin Balogun was the star of the show, netting a first-half brace and becoming the first American player to achieve this feat in the tournament since 1930.

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Amazing result. It’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.

The dominant display, played under the Los Angeles Stadium's iconic roof, saw the US take a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. The scoring began with an own goal from Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla, followed by Balogun's clinical finishes. The US captain, Tim Ream, described the result as "amazing" and "exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament."

However, the celebratory mood was tempered by an injury concern for Christian Pulisic. The influential midfielder was substituted at halftime due to tightness in his calf. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed hope that the issue is not serious, stating, "I hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."

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It was difficult for him to walk, but I hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.

Paraguay showed more intensity in the second half, pulling a goal back through substitute Mauricio. But the US sealed their emphatic win with a late goal from Gio Reyna. Paraguay defender Junior Alonso acknowledged the US team's superiority, stating, "The opposition were better than us. We have two games left, and we must improve."

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The opposition were better than us. We were able to play further forward (in the second half). These are things we need to improve on for the next match. We have two games left, and we must improve. Regretting things wont help us at all; we need to use these mistakes to improve and put in a better performance that brings us closer to victory.

The match drew a star-studded crowd, including Tom Cruise and David Beckham, and was played in front of a sold-out capacity of 70,492 at the Los Angeles Stadium.

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There’s not a whole lot of words to describe the feeling. You want to start the tournament off on a good foot, scoring four goals, getting three points. It sets you up for the rest of the group stage, for sure.