The United States launched their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, sending a clear warning to the Socceroos and other rivals with a dominant first-half display.
Dominant first half
The co-hosts stormed to a 3-0 halftime lead in front of a sold-out crowd of 70,492 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Among the spectators were celebrities Tom Cruise, David Beckham, George Lucas, and Bill Gates.
Folarin Balogun scored twice after an early own goal from Damian Bobadilla gave the US the lead. Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but Gio Reyna added a stunning fourth goal deep into second-half injury time to cap off the victory.
Statement performance
The win was a symbolic tone-setter for the US, who started the tournament under new Argentine supercoach Mauricio Pochettino. "The first 45 minutes were amazing, difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud," Pochettino said.
Balogun, born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, joined Arsenal's academy at age 8 and represented England at youth level. He became the first US player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since 1930. The victory equalled the Americans' biggest ever World Cup win and marked the first time they have scored four goals in a World Cup match.
Warning for Australia
The performance will do little to quiet American pundits predicting a lopsided clash between Australia and the US in Seattle on June 19 (June 20 AEST). Former US players Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas have fired barbs at the Socceroos, with Donovan describing Australia coach Tony Popovic as "smug".
Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe responded: "I've seen all the US stuff, and I'm just sick of it, to be honest. Like all this talk - it's just - let's just wait for the game, whatever happens, happens. It's just so much rubbish and I'm just sick of it."
Australia start their World Cup campaign on Sunday against Turkey in Vancouver.
