Striker Balogun brace powers US to 4–1 win over Paraguay in World Cup opener

INGLEWOOD (California), June 13 — The United States dominated Paraguay 4–1 in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday in Los Angeles, with a first-half brace by striker Folarin Balogun setting up a dream start to their home campaign in Group D.

The US broke through Paraguay’s vaunted defence in the seventh minute when Christian Pulisic deftly split two players and found Weston McKennie, whose cross was turned into the net by Damian Bobadilla for an own goal.

Shortly after the first-half hydration break, Pulisic raced up the left flank and delivered a precise cross to Balogun, who finished past goalkeeper Orlando Gill to make it 2–0.

Balogun struck again just before halftime, controlling a long pass, shrugging off a sliding defender and firing a left-footed shot into the top corner to complete a dominant opening half for the home side.

Pulisic was surprisingly substituted at the start of the second half, with the team saying coach Mauricio Pochettino would address the decision after the match.

Paraguay showed more urgency after the break and pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, who capitalised on a defensive lapse by the US.

However, the Americans remained in control and Gio Reyna added a fourth in the closing stages, curling a finish from the edge of the box with the outside of his right foot.

High-profile spectators

Played under Los Angeles Stadium’s massive semi-translucent roof, the match drew a star-studded crowd including Tom Cruise and David Beckham, who had been honoured earlier in the day with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite pre-tournament concerns over ticket prices, Los Angeles Stadium — home to the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, set to host next year’s Super Bowl and configured for a World Cup capacity of 70,492 — was sold out.

The US entered the tournament aiming to improve on their last-16 exit in Qatar, while Paraguay arrived after a demanding Conmebol qualifying campaign for their first World Cup appearance since 2010.

The match, the first men’s World Cup game on US soil in 32 years, featured a pregame performance by singer Katy Perry and a parade of nations, during which some boos were heard when Iran’s flag was carried into the stadium. Iran play their first match in Los Angeles on Monday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended alongside Paraguay President Santiago Peña and Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

The US face Australia on June 19 in Seattle, while Paraguay travel to San Francisco to meet Turkey. — Reuters