INGLEWOOD, California, June 12 - The United States opened its Group D campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday, highlighted by a two-goal performance from forward Folarin Balogun in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Seven minutes into the match, a rapid exchange between Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic forced a defensive split that resulted in Paraguayan midfielder Damian Bobadilla diverting the ball into his own net, giving the hosts an early lead.
Balance of play remained with the U.S. attackers as Balogun increased the advantage in the 31st minute, capitalizing on the spaces the Paraguay defence left open. The 24-year-old then added his second goal on the stroke of halftime, placing a precise strike into the top left corner to make it 3-0 at the break.
Paraguay mounted a response in the second half when Mauricio converted in the 73rd minute after a pass from Julio Enciso put him through on goal, cutting the deficit to two. Despite that strike, the U.S. held control and closed out the match in stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna finished with the outside of his boot to set the final score at 4-1.
The victory gives the U.S. a strong start in Group D. Their next fixture is scheduled for June 19 in Seattle, where they will face Australia. Paraguay will move on to San Francisco to play Turkey in their following group match.
Match timeline - highlights
- 7' - Own goal by Damian Bobadilla following a McKennie-Pulisic combination.
- 31' - Balogun scores to double the U.S. lead.
- Halftime - Balogun nets his second with a top-corner strike.
- 73' - Mauricio reduces Paraguay's deficit, assisted by Julio Enciso.
- Stoppage time - Giovanni Reyna finishes with the outside of his boot to make it 4-1.
The match narrative is straightforward in the facts presented: an early own goal, two Balogun strikes including one just before the interval, a Paraguay response in the second half, and a late seal by Reyna. Beyond the scoreline, the report does not provide details on possession statistics, substitutions, cautions, injuries, or tactical changes.