World Cup: Balogun Nets Two As USA Overpower Paraguay In Group D opener

WORLD CUP – The United States made a statement on home soil, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of Group D at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Folarin Balogun was the star, scoring twice in the first half to lead Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a dominant victory in front of 70,492 fans .

The result marked a record-tying performance, as the four goals matched the most the U.S. men have ever scored in a single World Cup game.

The hosts set the tone early, taking control of possession and territory from the opening whistle. In the seventh minute, a deflected pass from midfielder Weston McKennie off Paraguayan defender Damian Bobadilla resulted in an own goal , giving the USA an early cushion.

Balogun then took over, doubling the lead in the 31st minute when he converted a cross from Christian Pulisic. He added his second just before the break, finishing from Malik Tillman’s cutback in the 45+5 minute with a finish that beat two defenders before he found the top corner.

Paraguay showed more life after halftime and managed to pull a goal back, but the USA’s dominance throughout was reflected in the statistics: the Americans held 65% possession overall and completed 596 passes to Paraguay’s 320 .

Giovanni Reyna put the result beyond doubt late in the match with the USA’s fourth goal. Balogun was named Player of the Match, after netting a double due to his clinical finishing, giving the USA a perfect start to their home World Cup campaign.