LOS ANGELES (Agencies) -The United States launched their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in front of a packed crowd of 70,492 spectators at Los Angeles.
Striker Folarin Balogun starred with two goals, while Gio Reyna added a late strike as the tournament co-hosts delivered a dominant performance in their opening Group D fixture. The victory gives the Americans an early advantage in a group that also includes Australia and Turkiye.
The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead after just seven minutes. Weston McKennie surged forward from midfield before combining with Christian Pulisic. The move eventually led to Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net under pressure from Balogun.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, the United States controlled possession and repeatedly threatened the Paraguayan defence. Balogun thought he had doubled the lead in the 28th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Monaco striker was not denied for long. Three minutes later, Antonee Robinson’s excellent pass released Pulisic down the left flank. His cross found Balogun, whose finish, aided by a slight deflection, gave the Americans a deserved second goal.
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The home side struck again just before halftime. Malik Tillman played Balogun into space on the right, and the forward produced a moment of brilliance, weaving past defenders before curling a superb shot into the top corner to make it 3-0.
The Americans dominated the first half, enjoying 75 percent possession and creating several additional opportunities. Defender Chris Richards came close to adding another goal but narrowly headed wide.
The only concern for the hosts came at halftime when captain Christian Pulisic was substituted. The influential forward is regarded as a key figure in the United States’ hopes of making a deep run in the tournament.
Paraguay showed greater urgency after the break and eventually reduced the deficit. Julio Enciso, playing despite a hamstring issue, created the opportunity by finding substitute Mauricio, who calmly finished to make it 3-1.
Any hopes of a Paraguayan comeback were extinguished in stoppage time when Gio Reyna produced a stunning finish with the outside of his right foot, curling the ball inside the far post to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The match was preceded by a star-studded opening ceremony featuring performances by Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta and Lisa. Hollywood celebrities including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton were among those in attendance as the United States celebrated an ideal start to their World Cup journey.
