Paraguay stands no chance

Strong performance: Dream World Cup start for host USA!

A strong World Cup performance by the U.S. boys against Paraguay!(Bild: AP/Andre Penner)

A successful World Cup opener for host nation USA! They secured a clear 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The South Americans should even count themselves lucky that the defeat wasn’t even more lopsided. Folarin Balogun emerged as the match-winner with a brace—and a historic result for the U.S.! 

What began with a bit of luck turned into a showcase of American soccer culture under Mauricio Pochettino. Bobadilla tried to clear a ball in his own penalty area but ended up steering it into his own net (7th minute). The early goal had a liberating effect on the hosts, who came out with pace, applying heavy pressure down the right flank via Dest and the left flank via Pulisic.

The clear influence of star coach Mauricio Pochettino was evident in the U.S. team’s play. Covering immense ground, the U.S. executed their combinations, pinning Paraguay back; the South Americans were virtually unable to penetrate the opposing half or catch their breath. And ultimately, the U.S. were rewarded.

Decision in first-half stoppage time
Pulisic played the ball to the unmarked Balogun, who blasted it into the net for a 2-0 lead. And already in first-half stoppage time, the Monaco striker delivered the knockout blow to Paraguay. A through ball from Tillman found Balogun; the 24-year-old cut back slightly and fired a sharp shot into the net to make it 3-0.

During the break, coach Gustavo Alfaro seemed to have roused his Paraguayan players. The South Americans came out of the locker room with renewed vigor and created their first scoring chances. But after just a few minutes, their energy fizzled out again, and the U.S. began to stifle their opponents once more.

Just a brief flare-upfr
 It looked as though the rout might get even worse, but after a long, high ball found its way to Mauricio via two touches, he pulled one back for Paraguay to make it 1-3 (73'). The start of a late rally? Not a chance. The U.S. kept up the pressure, but Weah squandered a promising opportunity with a pitiful finish straight into the arms of goalkeeper Gill (77'). The same thing happened again when Pepi shot over the bar from a few yards out (89').

But Giovanni Reyna treated the fans to one last highlight. The son of team legend Claudio took advantage in stoppage time of the fact that the Paraguayans had stopped running, curling the ball into the net with the outside of his foot for a 4-1 lead (98th minute) and thus securing the USA’s biggest win in World Cup history. The U.S. fans at SoFi Stadium celebrated loudly; the Round of 16 should now be a mere formality for the hosts.