8 hours ago
5
4-1 against Paraguay
©IMAGO
It was a historic night for the US men’s national team. The USA demolished Paraguay 4-1 thanks to an own goal by Damián Bobadilla (8’), a brace by Folarin Balogun (31’ & 45+5’), and a gorgeous goal by Giovanni Reyna (90+8’). Paraguay’s lone goal was scored by Mauricio (73’). “This is a team that is complex because they have answers to every element you throw at them,” Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said after the game.
Indeed, it was an impressive performance by the team coached by former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino. The 4-1 win is not only the biggest win of a US men’s national team at the World Cup, but it also marked the first time a US player scored a brace at the tournament since their 3-0 victory over Paraguay at the 1930 World Cup. Back then, Bert Patenaude scored not just a brace but a hat-trick to sink the South American nation.
"It's not only to talk about some names, but it's also about the collective," said Pochettino. "It's not only Balo or different players who performed. I think the team was amazing. Not only the starting 11 but all the players around and on the bench." Balogun wasn’t the only player to stand out. Christian Pulisic was singled out by Transfermarkt as one of the players to watch at the tournament, and the AC Milan star delivered an excellent assist for Balogun’s first goal. "You push me to talk about names, and it's about the team; it's a collective performance,” Pochettino said about Pulisic. “Of course, he was amazing.”
Pulisic injury concern overshadows USMNT win
Whether Pulisic will feature in the USMNT’s second game remains to be seen, however. Injuries have often held back Pulisic throughout his career, and the winger had to come off at halftime with a calf injury. “Pulisic took a kick in his calf, and then he started to feel tight, and we didn’t want to take any risk,” Pochettino said. “It was difficult for him to work, but we hope that it is not a big issue and he’s ready for the next one.” Pulisic, however, was hopeful that he could feature against Australia on matchday 2. “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half; I’m hoping that it’s nothing, taking precaution,” Pulisic said. “I’m staying positive; I don’t think it’s anything.”
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