The United States launched their home Fifa World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 with a perfectly scripted opening performance to delight a star-studded crowd.
Folarin Balogun netted a superb brace while relentless American pressure forced an early Paraguay own goal from Damián Bobadilla, before second-half substitute Gio Reyna added a late fourth to cap a dream start for Mauricio Pochettino’s side at a vibrant SoFi Stadium in Group D.
The US entered the tournament amid a swirl of domestic uncertainty following a string of defeats and unconvincing performances in their pre-World Cup friendlies. However, any lingering doubts regarding their ability to progress from the group stage were obliterated in a dazzling first-half display, which saw them roar into a 3-0 lead to all but seal the points in the opening 45 minutes.
“Just a great start from the guys,” US star Christian Pulisic said afterwards. “The guys came out with so much energy — just a great performance and a thoroughly deserved win. It’s just the start of a long journey, though. We’ve got a lot more to do. It’s a really, really great start and we should be proud, but we’ve got to keep pushing and be ready for the next match.”
Pop icon Katy Perry got the pre-match party started with a rousing performance just before kick-off, while Hollywood royalty including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Halle Berry were spotted amongst the partisan 70,492 crowd. The US players rose to the occasion with a performance of flair and precision that will ignite dreams of a deep tournament run for the co-hosts, who still have group fixtures against Australia and Turkey to come.
Wave after wave of early American pressure led to Bobadilla’s catastrophic opening own goal after just seven minutes, before Balogun — who grew up in London and represented England at youth level before pledging his allegiance to the United States — bagged his clinical double. The only minor blemish on an otherwise pristine US performance was a consolation goal for Paraguay from Brazil-born midfielder Mauricio in the 73rd minute, following a rare moment of hesitancy in the hosts’ defensive line.
Canada grab first point
In Friday’s other fixture, co-hosts Canada earned the first World Cup point in their history when Cyle Larin grabbed a vital second-half equaliser in Toronto to rescue a 1-1 draw. Bosnia-Herzegovina had previously taken a shock lead courtesy of a close-range header from Jovo Lukic.
“It was incredibly special for me. I was ready to come on and help the team, and I always believed the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and I always have done,” Larin said.
Canadian film stars Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were amongst the packed crowd to witness the first-ever World Cup match contested on Canadian soil. However, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bypassed the historic home fixture in favour of the glamour tie in Los Angeles — where his partner, Katy Perry, was performing.
Partey blocked by Canada
Off the pitch, the tournament’s complex political backdrop continues to cause disruption. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is currently facing trial in Britain on rape charges, has been denied a visa to enter Canada.
FIFA confirmed that Partey “will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their opening match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.” The 32-year-old will, however, be eligible to play in Ghana’s subsequent Group L fixtures against England and Croatia, both of which take place on American soil.
Stringent United States immigration policies have also created significant logistical hurdles for nationals from several countries. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US despite possessing a valid visa, while authorities in Washington have also refused visas to select members of Iran’s backroom support staff, alongside groups of Senegalese and Ivorian supporters.
Friday’s cross-border action serves as the precursor to a packed slate of World Cup fixtures on Saturday, with eight teams set to enter the fray. Five-time world champions Brazil will launch their bid for a historic sixth title with a testing Group C clash against Morocco in East Rutherford, while Scotland make their long-awaited return to the global stage against Haiti. Elsewhere, Australia square off against Turkey in Vancouver, and Qatar face Switzerland in Santa Clara, California.
