Soccer
United States vs. Paraguay player ratings: Who stole the show in USA's historic victory?
Folarin Balogun stole the show as United States launched their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4–1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles.
The Monaco striker struck twice before half-time, turning a nervous opener into a three-goal cushion after Damián Bobadilla's own goal had given the hosts an early lead.
Christian Pulisic tormented the Paraguayan defence throughout the first half, and Giovanni Reyna's spectacular stoppage-time strike completed the emphatic opening statement, with the US scoring four goals in a World Cup finals game for the first time in their history.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
United States v Paraguay - DAZN's Player of the Match
Folarin Balogun (United States)
Folarin Balogun was the decisive force in United States' comprehensive opening victory.
His first goal in the 31st minute, assisted by Christian Pulisic, extended the lead to 2–0 after the early own goal.
Deep in first-half stoppage time, he beat two defenders before curling a left-footed finish into the corner to make it 3–0. His movement and finishing set the tone for a dominant home performance before he was withdrawn in the 72nd minute with the match won.
Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesUnited States v Paraguay player rating
United States
Matt Freese (6.8): Rarely tested in dominant display, commanded his area when required.
Alex Freeman (7.3): Composed in buildup, delivered decisive assist for Reyna's late strike.
Tim Ream (6.9): Organized the backline and circulated possession with experience throughout.
Chris Richards (7.1): Headed two chances close from corners, won aerial duels consistently.
Tyler Adams (6.8): Provided midfield stability and recovered possession, yellow card only blemish.
Weston McKennie (7.0): Controlled tempo effectively, set up Pepi's late chance with cross.
Sergiño Dest (7.2): Constant threat down the right, shot saved by Gill inside box.
Antonee Robinson (7.4): Excellent width with overlapping runs, energetic throughout full ninety minutes.
Malik Tillman (7.9): Influential in attack, assisted Balogun's second with clever pass behind.
Christian Pulisic (8.5): Tormented Paraguay's defence, assisted first goal before half-time withdrawal.
Folarin Balogun (9.2): Two-goal hero, movement and finishing outstanding in devastating display.
Sebastian Berhalter (6.2): Functional replacement for Pulisic, helped maintain possession rhythm quietly.
Ricardo Pepi (6.4): Headed late chance over bar, worked hard stretching Paraguay defence.
Timothy Weah (6.7): Direct running caused problems, forced Gill save inside the box.
Giovanni Reyna (7.7): Spectacular curling finish sealed victory with sublime late technique.
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Paraguay
Orlando Gill (6.3): Made several saves preventing heavier defeat, distribution hesitant under pressure.
Juan José Cáceres (5.5): Struggled badly against Pulisic, booked early for foul on captain.
Gustavo Gómez (5.8): Attempted to organize overrun defence, lost physical battles with Balogun.
Omar Alderete (5.7): Attempted long distribution with left foot, frequently exposed by movement.
Júnior Alonso (5.6): Showed commitment but overrun, booked late after losing footrace.
Damián Bobadilla (4.8): Unfortunate own goal gave United States lead, replaced at half-time.
Andrés Cubas (5.8): Battled in midfield without the ball, suffered shoulder injury late.
Miguel Almirón (5.3): Booked for simulation after VAR review, frustrating match throughout.
Diego Gómez (5.9): Best chance deflected over at 49 minutes, booked then substituted.
Antonio Sanabria (5.5): Isolated throughout, won few aerial duels against American centre-backs.
Julio Enciso (6.9): Creative presence with direct dribbling, assisted Mauricio's consolation goal.
Mauricio (7.3): Immediate impact from bench, scored composed consolation with left foot.
Álex Arce (5.4): Limited impact after introduction, booked for foul on Reyna late.
Ramón Sosa (5.6): Limited time restricted impact, attempted to support attack when possible.
Gustavo Velázquez (5.6): Fresh legs at right-back late, unable to prevent Reyna's goal.
Kaku (5.6): Minimal involvement in brief appearance during closing stages.
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