Mauricio Pochettino claimed “that is only the start” after his USA team opened their World Cup campaign with a rousing 4-1 hammering of Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Folarin Balogun was the hero with two goals as the tournament co-hosts surged into a 3-0 half-time lead with a powerful 45-minute display that left the South Americans reeling.
“We are so happy, but that is only the start,” Pochettino said. “We need to enjoy that start of the tournament, but knowing that we need to keep going and trying to improve and try to do better in this game because with me, all the games [will be] very competitive.
“I’m so happy. The players deserve big credit about the performance. And then it’s not only to talk about some names, it’s about talking about the collective. I think it’s not only [Balogun] or different player that can perform. I think the team was amazing.”
Pulisic worry for USA
The only negative on the night was Christian Pulisic having to be withdrawn at half-time after a scintillating display that helped create the first two goals.
The AC Milan star burst through the Paraguay defence and played in Weston McKennie, whose cross was turned into his own net by Damian Bobadilla after seven minutes.
There was no fortune attached to the USA’s second with Pulisic picking out Balogun to fire home.
Balogun made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, running on to Malik Tillman’s through ball to curl a brilliant effort past Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Pulisic then departed with the game seemingly won and the indication afterwards was that it was merely a precaution.
He told Fox Sports: “I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days. Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”
Brilliant Balogun admits opening night was a ‘dream’ for USA
The second half lacked the goalmouth action of the first and Paraguay caused a few nervous flutters around SoFi Stadium when Mauricio pulled one back with 17 minutes to go. But a Paraguay comeback never materialised and Gio Reyna capped a wonderful evening for the hosts with an outside-of-the-foot finish with the final kick of the game.
“It’s a dream. It’s a dreamy night,” Balogun said. “I’ve not been able to take it all in after this. I’m sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, I’m sure I’m going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”
While it was a fantastic start for the US, it was not what Paraguay had envisaged and they will look to bounce back when they face Turkey next Saturday.
