They could hardly have dreamed of a better start to this World Cup being played on home soil. Against Paraguay, in their first match of the World Cup, the United States showed no signs of nerves and won convincingly 4-1, led by Folarin Balogun, who scored twice and continued his impressive form from the last six months with AS Monaco.
A poacher's first goal… 🦊
Strong from the outset, Mauricio Pochettino's men quickly opened the scoring thanks to an own goal by Damian Bodabilla (1-0, 7'). This first goal didn't dampen their desire to extend their lead, though and the Rouge et Blanc striker thought he had doubled the advantage shortly before the half-hour mark, but was flagged offside. It was only a matter of time, however, as, following a cutback from Christian Pulisic, the Monaco player, at the penalty spot, doubled the lead with a low, angled shot (2-0, 31').
Then a second after a brilliant sequence 😍
His first goal in the competition was followed in stoppage time by a second, simply brilliant one. Found with a through ball, the Bang & Olufsen MVP of the 2025-2026 season managed to hold off the defender and then beat another man before finding the top corner with his left foot, his "weaker" foot (3-0, 45+8'). The two goals put him at the top of the scorers' chart in this World Cup, while also earning him the Man of the Match award against Argentina.
The opportunity to qualify in the next match 🤞
The Stars and Stripes thus secured the victory after just 45 minutes, and the opposition's goal (3-1, 73') made no difference as Giovanni Reyna sealed the win in the dying seconds with a right-footed shot from outside the box (4-1, 98'). Now, they'll face Australia next Friday (9 pm), with the chance to reach the Round of 32 with another victory. Well done, Balo! 👏
