INGLEWOOD (California) — The United States dominated Paraguay 4–1 in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday in Los Angeles, with a first-half brace by striker Folarin Balogun setting up a dream start to their home campaign in Group D.

The US broke through Paraguay’s vaunted defence in the seventh minute when Christian Pulisic deftly split two players and found Weston McKennie, whose cross was turned into the net by Damian Bobadilla for an own goal.

Shortly after the first-half hydration break, Pulisic raced up the left flank and delivered a precise cross to Balogun, who finished past goalkeeper Orlando Gill to make it 2–0.

Balogun struck again just before halftime, controlling a long pass, shrugging off a sliding defender and firing a left-footed shot into the top corner to complete a dominant opening half for the home side.

Pulisic was surprisingly substituted at the start of the second half, with the team saying coach Mauricio Pochettino would address the decision after the match.

Paraguay showed more urgency after the break and pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, who capitalised on a defensive lapse by the US.

However, the Americans remained in control and Gio Reyna added a fourth in the closing stages, curling a finish from the edge of the box with the outside of his right foot.