0
0
Not since the great call of play-by-play legend Ian Dark, who called the iconic Landon Donovan goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup, has the United States been buzzing about a World Cup game like tonight’s. United States Men’s National Team put on a clinic against Paraguay in their opening group stage game at the 2026 World Cup.
Los Angeles and the rest of the country was on fire last night as the USA put on one of their best performances at a World Cup, ever, with a spectacular 4-1 win. This was a showing that all Americans could have hoped for. A definitive win and tantalizing performance.
Since his appointment as manager in 2024, Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t brought the results to the USMNT that many had hoped. Entering the World Cup, the team was 14-2-10 (W-D-L). Not the kinda record that would inspire many fans. Over the last two years the US had had several underwhelming and disappointing performances.
None of that matters anymore. The team will be judged by their run in the tournament, tonight, all the frustrations of the past have been forgotten. This record making win (US never scored 4 goals in a WC game) showcased the best of this teams potential.
The team put on a collective effort. The pressing, push and aggression was paramount. The USA had push so much pressure from the opening whistle, Paraguay had no idea how to counter or get out of it. The USA was relentless throughout.
Star making performances from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun who lit up the field and the Paraguayan’s. There wasn’t a player on the night who underperformed. Everyone contributed. From the midfield creativity of Tyler Adams to the work of Sergino Dest on the wings, everyone had something unique to contribute with.
The much maligned Gio Reyna put a perfect exclamation mark on the win with a rocket to the back of the net on the last play of the game. Pochettino was playing chess and Paraguay was only ready for a game of checkers. Pochettino made all the right move on this night.
Aside from the scoreline and win, there were several talking points on the night. Initially there was confusion as to why Christian Pulisic was removed at halftime and replaced with Sebastian Berhalter? Later it was revealed it was a precautionary move to prevent injury, after an apparent knock he suffered during the game.
As good as the performance was on offense, the defense had let up a goal in the second half on a formational blunder. These kind of mental mistakes can’t happen going forward against quality opponents. You blow a coverage and you could be going home. The mental errors need to be cleaned up.
The scoreline will show 4-1, but it could have been more for the US, who left some goals on the field. The chances they missed need to be put away. Yes, no one can play a perfect game, but the US had many other chances they squandered. Ultimately if their pace, desire, press and aggression will continue to the following games, they will be in good shape. That was an inspiring performance, not only for the team, but for the fans and country.
Balogun could have had a hat trick, but if this was a sign of what’s to come, damn! The nation is now on board, which might be the most beneficial result out of this game. They have inspired a nation to dream. The fans are locked in now and it will be up to the Pochettino’s boys to keep the momentum rolling.
If there was a question heading into the tourney, if the USA will get that home soil support, that was answered tonight. Los Angeles showed out and came in droves. This was a unanimous USA crowd. Which is not the case often when we play at home.
Next up, is a trip to Seattle to face Australia in a weeks time. The Aussies now will know what they are up against. A massive three points for the US to start out their group play is huge. A nation can finally dream. In the famous words of Ian Darke, “Go, Go, USA!”.
