USA 4-1 Paraguay: Balogun double headlines a statement opener for the hosts

The United States could hardly have asked for a better start to their home World Cup, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles for what equalled their biggest victory in the tournament's history. Mauricio Pochettino's side were ruthless from the first whistle.

Three up by half-time

The hosts led inside seven minutes, Christian Pulisic's influence forcing an own goal off Damián Bobadilla. Folarin Balogun then took over: the Monaco forward struck twice before the break, the second deep in first-half stoppage time, to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest before the interval.

Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but the hosts had the final word: substitute Giovanni Reyna curled in a sublime effort with the outside of his right foot deep into stoppage time for 4-1.

What it means for Group D

The result, and the manner of it, sends an early message in Group D. With Pulisic pulling the strings and Balogun clinical, the USA look every bit the side to beat in their section. Australia's 2-0 win over Turkey in the group's other game means the race for the second qualifying spot is already taking shape. The USA move on in confident mood; Paraguay must regroup quickly. Revisit the game on the match page or see the full schedule at matches.