Folarin Balogun turned a fast U.S. start into a statement, scoring twice as USA beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium and moved to rank 1 after their opening World Cup group match.
Balogun drives USA control after Bobadilla own goal
The game opened with chances at both ends, but USA struck in the 7th minute when Christian Pulisic surged down the left and returned the ball toward Weston McKennie, whose attempted delivery was diverted into his own net by Damian Bobadilla.
That early break tilted the match. Sergiño Dest passed up a big chance in the 16th minute, Balogun had a finish ruled out for offside in the 28th, and three minutes later he made the pressure count from 15 metres after another Pulisic cut-back.
USA squeezes Paraguay before Maurício answers
USA’s control showed in the rhythm as much as the score: 65% possession, 16 total shots and 6 on target kept Paraguay chasing. By half-time it was 3-0, with Balogun’s second listed at 50’ after Malik Tillman sent him into space and the striker beat Gill calmly.
