USA cruise to dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in World Cup Group D opener
The United States started their World Cup campaign in style with a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in Los Angeles, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Gio Reyna adding a late curler.
The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles. Playing as co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada, the US dominated from the start in front of a sold-out crowd of 70,492, which included celebrities Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton.
The scoring began in the seventh minute when an own goal by Damian Bobadilla gave the US the lead after a build-up involving Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. The US continued to press and doubled their lead in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun, who finished a cross from Pulisic. Balogun scored his second just before halftime, curling a shot into the top corner after a run down the right.
Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at halftime due to an issue, but the US maintained control. Paraguay pulled one back through substitute Maurício, but Gio Reyna sealed the win in stoppage time with a brilliant curling shot from outside the box.
The United States now sit in a strong position in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey. The match was preceded by a Hollywood-style opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry and other performers. US President Donald Trump did not attend but called the team before kick-off to wish them luck.
