The USA were far too strong for Paraguay when World Cup fever ravaged Los Angeles.
Balogun with two goals as USA crushed Paraguay in World Cup opener: “This is just the beginning”
Mauricio Pochettino stated that “this is just the beginning” after the U.S. national team opened the World Cup with a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles.
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Folarin Balogun was the big hero of the evening with two goals as the host nation went to half-time with a whopping 3-0 – a first half so powerful that the South Americans were left in shock.
“We are overjoyed, but this is only the beginning,” Pochettino said. “We have to enjoy the start of the tournament, at the same time as we know that we have to continue to improve. For me, every game is going to be very even.
“I’m so happy. The players deserve great praise for this effort. And this isn’t about individual names – it’s about the team. It’s not just Balogun or another single player who performs. The whole team was fantastic.
Pulisic concern for the US
The only negative this evening was that Christian Pulisic had to throw in the towel at half-time – after delivering a brilliant first half in which he helped create the first two goals.
The AC Milan star broke through Paraguay’s defence and played forward Weston McKennie, whose cross was put into his own goal by Damian Bobadilla after seven minutes.
The USA’s second goal was pure class: Pulisic found Balogun, who placed the ball safely in the goal.
Balogun made it 3-0 in injury time of the first half when he ran through on Malik Tillman’s sparkling pass and curled a beautiful shot past Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Pulisic was then taken off with the fight seemingly already won, and the signals afterwards indicated that it was just a precaution.
He told Fox Sports:
“I got a little bang in the first half, so I really hope it’s nothing serious. We are taking some precautions today, but I hope I will be ready again within a few days. It is the back of the calf. I’ve come across similar things before, and I’m positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.
Brilliant Balogun: The opening night was a “dream scenario” for the USA
The second half did not have the same goal celebration as the first. Paraguay caused some turmoil at the SoFi Stadium when Mauricio reduced the score to 3-1 with 17 minutes left. But there was never any likely recovery – and Gio Reyna crowned the hosts’ fantastic evening with a finish on the outside of his foot on the very last kick of the match.
“This is a dream. A dream night, said Balogun. “I haven’t had time to digest this yet. I’m sure that when I get back to the hotel and relax, I’ll be able to land in the moment and really feel how wonderful this evening is.
Although it was a dream start for the United States, it was far from what Paraguay had envisioned. They will have the chance to rise when they face Turkey on Saturday 20 June.
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