Folarin Balogun scores twice as United States beat Paraguay in World Cup opener

The United States pulverised Paraguay as they opened their home World Cup campaign with a statement victory in front of a galaxy of Los Angeles stars, including former England captain David Beckham.

Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international, scored two well-taken first-half goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side served early notice of their capabilities in a convincing 4-1 win.

The hosts were straight out of the blocks and took an early lead when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla prodded a Weston McKennie cross into his own net.

The US were irrepressible, and minutes after Balogun had a goal ruled offside, he made no mistake to finish off a flowing move after Christian Pulisic squared it from the left.

They added a third in first-half injury time as Malik Tillman – among tough competition probably the best player on the pitch – released Balogun into the box.

The 24-year-old still had a lot to do but worked his way past two Paraguayan defenders, shifted the ball onto his left foot and picked out the top corner, giving Orlando Gill no chance.

Paraguay’s Brazil-born midfielder Mauricio pulled one back in the 73rd minute after finding space on the left of the box.

But the US restored the three-goal cushion deep into injury time as substitute Giovanni Reyna curled in a sublime shot with the outside of his right foot.

Pulisic was substituted for Sebastian Berhalter at half-time with a calf problem and Pochettino said he “hoped it would not be a big issue” heading into the final two group matches.

“The performance was really good, we are so happy, but that is only the start,” the Argentinian said.

“The team were amazing, but not only the starting XI – I need to stress today the principal actor was the fans and on behalf of the whole team, thank you, the energy they transmitted to us was amazing and we can do amazing things if they are in this as well.”

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “The US won this match very fairly and clearly. We knew they were a complex rival, we knew they had good attacks and that if we were not ready on the defensive side it would be painful.

“They dominated tactically, technically, and physically. There are many details we need to fine-tune.”