The hosts US made a flying start to their World Cup campaign, cruising to a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match on home soil.
Forward Folarin Balogun was the standout performer for the Americans, scoring twice in a convincing win that also featured an own goal from the opposition.
The United States adopted an attacking approach from the opening whistle and were rewarded early. Just six and a half minutes into the match, a dangerous move created by Christian Pulisic led to the opening goal. Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla, attempting to clear a pass intended for Weston McKennie inside the penalty area, accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
Balogun thought he had doubled the lead in the 28th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The striker did not have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, however. Three minutes later, Pulisic burst down the left flank and delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Balogun, who calmly finished to make it 2-0.
Balogun struck again shortly afterward, this time finishing off an assist from Malik Tillman. The goal gave the United States a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime.
After a three-goal first half, many expected the hosts to continue their scoring spree after the break. Instead, the second half proved far more subdued, with neither side able to find the net for a lengthy period.
Paraguay finally pulled one back in the 73rd minute. A long pass from goalkeeper Orlando Gil found Julio Enciso, who then set up Mauricio. The winger cut in from the left and fired a powerful shot into the net to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The goal, however, only proved a consolation. Paraguay never looked likely to mount a comeback, and the United States sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time. Receiving a pass from Freeman, Gio Reyna drove into the penalty area and unleashed a shot that goalkeeper Orlando Gil could not keep out, making it 4-1 and wrapping up a dominant win for the hosts.
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