Balogun hits two as USMNT crush Paraguay 4–1

Balogun brace buries Paraguay

That's the statement win you needed. Folarin Balogun scored twice as the USMNT rolled Paraguay 4–1 on Friday to open the World Cup on home soil in emphatic fashion (1). The performance was so commanding that post-match praise bordered on disbelief, "Where do I start without just trying to kiss his ass?" became the reaction from around the squad (1). This was not a nervy scrape. This was a team announcing itself.

Richards flawless on the ball

Chris Richards completed all 83 passes he attempted, a 100% accuracy rate. That's the most passes without a miss by any player in a World Cup match since 1966, per Opta. A center-back dictating play like that gives you a platform to build on.

Canada grab first World Cup point

Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point Saturday with a 1–1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cyle Larin got the goal. Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac had a busy afternoon for Bosnia with an assist and a key block (2). Not your group, but worth noting, the co-hosts are in this tournament together.

Fan-reaktioner

The numbers tell the story: 24.9 million Americans watched the Paraguay win across Fox and Telemundo combined, with Fox's English-language broadcast setting a USMNT World Cup record at nearly 16 million viewers. Fans are also buzzing about Richards' passing stat, 83 for 83, calling it historic. The "no one in America cares" crowd is awfully quiet this morning. r/soccer thread