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LOS ANGELES STADIUM — I knew this American team knew how to cook, but they added a special sauce Friday night.
The United States gave us a little bit of everything and more in the first half of their victory over Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated from start to finish. It was a masterclass.
No one left the stadium early. The fans wanted to give this American team the love they deserved, and they were rewarded for their loyalty in the form of a brilliant goal from Gio Reyna to make it 4-1.
I want to emphasize that these notes are prisoners of the moment. It was an incredible evening in Los Angeles under US rule. Here we go.
Starting XI
Rating: 8
Freese started ahead of Matt Turner, but he wasn’t called upon too much on Friday. But I am generous. He didn’t have a starring role and I don’t think he could do much in goal. From this position with Mauricio to the goal, I don’t think he can do anything.
Like I said, I’m feeling very generous today after this performance, so that’s an 8 for Freese.
Rating: 8.5
Rating: 8.5
I thought Antonee Robinson was more involved in the attack tonight, while Alex Freeman was a little more disciplined defensively on the right side and Sergiño Dest played higher up the wing.
I praised Freeman in the two friendlies against Senegal and Germany in preparation for the tournament, and he looked like he belonged tonight. A very encouraging start to the tournament from both.
Robinson scored a brilliant volley against Germany last week and has continued to look like a threat on the left wing. He will play a key role in the American attack on that side of the field.
Rating: 8
Rating: 8
I thought Richards’ leadership was felt from the start of this game, especially in the first half. The match started with a half-chance for Paraguay in the box, but Chris then helped calm things down alongside his 38-year-old partner.
In the second half, they both made errors on goal. Richards maybe played a little too much and didn’t touch the ball on his first attempt, then Ream sort of swung a leg and didn’t make any contact with a Paraguayan player with it.
I also want to note that the rear fade was good. Ream had a few good balls forward to find Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie in midfield, which he should do with that left foot.
Rating: 9
Rating: 9
Rating: 9
I thought Tyler was great, and I thought Wes was great too – for different reasons.
Tyler received a silly yellow card, but he covered the pitch and moved all over the field to complement Tillman and McKennie. He remained more disciplined while allowing Tillman and McKennie the freedom to progress higher up the pitch.
I thought Weston’s energy was amazing. The way he was always an option in the final third was encouraging, and that was clear on the first American goal. He collected the ball in midfield and was surrounded by several Paraguayan players, but he managed to pass the ball to Christian on the left.
The best part, though, was that Wes continued his run after playing the pass and getting the American touch before Damian Bobadilla put the ball into his own net.
It was also an encouraging performance from Tillman, who seemed to have a good understanding with Adams.
Rating: 8.5
A lot of pressure and responsibilities on his shoulders. He returned to form just before this tournament in terms of ranking with goals and assists.
Hopefully Pulisic’s calf injury is nothing too serious. Fantastic in the first half with his movement, creating chances, creating space for other players. This is how the first objective of the United States was born. He skipped two defenders, then completed a pass to McKennie, whose attempted pass to Balogun was converted into the net.
It’s also worth noting that Christian’s chemistry with Flo was great. If these first 45 minutes were any indication, the rest of the tournament better be careful.
The only reason this rating isn’t higher is because he only played 45 minutes. Hopefully he’ll be ready to face Australia next week.
Christian Pulisic dominated on the left wing during his 45 minutes against Paraguay. (Kelvin Kuo/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Rating: 10
It’s the goals, it’s the way he scored his goals, and it’s also his overall game, which I found excellent.
Obviously, Flo’s two stunning finishes are worth celebrating, but there’s more to her performance than that. The way he occupied Paraguay’s two central defenders was excellent. He was strong throughout the game, kept the ball and really powered the US attack.
Flo’s move was also awesome. He ran very well in the channels and was able to play well with a defender on his back. He also led the American counter-press against the Paraguayan defense and was perfect in his movements as a defender. It is thanks to him that the Americans’ game plan worked so well.
My man Peter Crouch suggested that Balogun could be looking at a Golden Boot with such a start to the tournament. I’m encouraged to see where his tournament can go from here.
Rating: 9
I like Sergiño higher up the pitch. At first, I wasn’t so sure. I liked him starting as an attacking fullback, but he thrived by having more freedom to simply start further up the field.
Sergiño having this ability to start higher up the pitch really makes him a wild card. He is unpredictable. It’s difficult to plan how to defend him because you don’t know where he’s going to play. Tonight it caused so many problems for Paraguay.
Rating: 10
Prime: A 10 for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Poch understood everything this evening.
First of all, he chose the right XI. This lineup looked good against Germany without Richards, and his inclusion was a great addition. Secondly, the approach taken to creating space and maintaining width was perfect.
The game plan was perfect, like the USA this evening.
