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World Cup 2026 - USA vs Paraguay Full Match ( ⚽ 1st Half )
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00:00We lie, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming.
00:12Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight.
00:22O'er the ramparts we marched, were so gallantly streaming.
00:34And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air.
00:44Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.
00:55Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.
01:08O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
01:23Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.
01:34Well, that was quite magnificent in this wonderful arena.
01:39And you can really feel the expectation and the optimism ahead here for the United States.
01:49They hope, just like back in 94, that these Americans can have a good tournament and inspire their nation.
02:00And harness this wonderful support.
02:03I must say, now everyone has made their way into this stadium.
02:07There are very few spare seats to be had.
02:13They hope it's the beginning of a journey of special memories.
02:21Some setting here.
02:23This holds almost 70,000 at a cost of five and a half billion dollars.
02:31And this will be the first of eight games here in Los Angeles.
02:37Which, incidentally, will also host the opening ceremony in two years' time of the Olympic Games.
02:47That's the man in charge of it all tonight.
02:50The Dutchman Danny McKellie.
02:55And his team of officials.
02:57They did have a couple of games at the last World Cup.
03:03And indeed has the last two Euros under his belt as well.
03:13And it's from the Netherlands and we have a Spanish VAR official.
03:22And that is Carlos del Cerro Grande.
03:26Very experienced in the VAR room.
03:32And let's hope we're not mentioning his name too frequently throughout the evening.
03:40What a stage for the USA to begin then.
03:43They have 17 players in their squad who play in top flight European football.
03:47Nine of them start.
03:49And the biggest boost for Maurizio Pochettino is they include Chris Richards.
03:53Who's recovered from that ankle injury that forced him to miss Crystal Palace's Conference League final success.
03:59The Fulham defender Tim Ream captains the team.
04:03And he becomes the oldest American player to play at a World Cup at 38 and 250 days old.
04:10Christian Pulisic again carrying those hopes.
04:14Paraguay, they get a first World Cup since 2010 when they were quarter finalists.
04:19Their golden boy Julio Nciso does start.
04:22He was stretched off in the penultimate warm-up game.
04:25The former Newcastle man Miguel Almiron is a three-time Paraguayan player of the year.
04:31Omar Alderete at the back.
04:33A key component of course in Sunderland's qualification for Europe this season.
04:37While Diego Gomez comes into the competition on the back of ten goals for Brighton in this campaign.
04:49The Americans are desperate for a winning start.
04:54Final few words of encouragement.
04:59They have plenty of experience this time round.
05:06Paraguay, 16 years away from this stage.
05:10And their fans in Los Angeles today remarkably excited.
05:15And they have their own hopes.
05:22And as the countdown begins, it will be the United States to get us underway.
05:30The day they've been waiting for since Mauricio Pochettino arrived 22 months ago.
05:37Will this American positivity have the desired effect?
05:41It's the first of 78 games in the tournament to be hosted by the USA.
05:47Will it be a winning one?
05:50Danny Murphy alongside me.
05:53No complaints about the atmosphere and the emotion in the end.
05:56Incredible setting, Steve.
05:57It's a wonderful place to play football this stadium.
06:00The fans are up for its full.
06:02Can't see many empty seats at all, which is great.
06:06And the expectation now for these players of the USA to try and perform under this pressure.
06:13But in this spotlight, they've got some good players.
06:16Looking forward to seeing them.
06:17Well, he has only heightened expectation.
06:20And they were saying last week that it's a bigger challenge than they thought.
06:23And we are looking at two of the six Argentinian coaches in the tournament.
06:27What an effect he's had.
06:28Costavo Alfaro.
06:30Since taking charge.
06:32Midway through qualifying.
06:33And he's been beaten just once since he took the Paraguay job.
06:39Pass forward towards Sanabria.
06:42He's managed to get the cross in as well.
06:44They have cleared this America.
06:47And still particularly alive here.
06:49Caceres.
06:50Cleared in the end by Chris Richards.
06:56It's a good run from Sanabria in that inside channel.
06:58Great pass forward as well from Alderete.
07:02Nice and positive early on.
07:04Look at that for a pass.
07:05Good touch.
07:12Now then.
07:14They do have a long throw in the cavalry with Caceres.
07:19They use it to good effect.
07:21Headed away by Anthony Robinson of Fulham.
07:24And for the second time.
07:28Alderete.
07:35He's got the nod in the USA goal over the former Arsenal and Forest keeper Matt Turner.
07:45He made his debut a year ago.
07:51Here's Richards.
07:52What a big boost.
07:54For all the American fans.
07:55He was the one they were all talking about.
07:57Can't play in either warm-up game.
07:58This is Balogun.
08:00And it's comfortable in the end for shield in the Paraguay goal.
08:07Good ball forward again.
08:08I like to see that early in the game.
08:10Positive runs off the ball.
08:12Balogun nearly gets himself in.
08:14We know how he likes to run in those channels.
08:16Running behind.
08:21We may have another opening here.
08:23The former Arsenal man.
08:26Dest.
08:28And the off-side flag is up.
08:37Two great examples early in the game.
08:39Of positive passes forward.
08:41A bit longer passes.
08:42But in behind.
08:44Turning the back fours.
08:46He is off.
08:47Just by a yard there, Balogun.
08:50Well, I'll say back fours.
08:52It looks like USA might be a bit lopsided at times with Robinson bombing on and leaving a three at
08:59the back.
08:59But we'll see how that progresses.
09:01That's certainly the word over here that Maurizio Pochettino has brought much more tactical acumen to the United States set
09:07-up.
09:11Anything beyond the last 16 would be considered a success.
09:15Last USA coach to achieve that was Bruce Arena back in 2002.
09:21When they got to the quarterfinals with the likes of Landon Donovan, Marcus De Beasley and Brian McBride.
09:31And that's why, Danny, this first game is so important for the hosts.
09:35Massively.
09:36For the confidence, obviously, of the players.
09:41For the supporters to get on board with it.
09:43To get behind them.
09:47Especially with the new format as well.
09:49Because if you can win that first game, all of a sudden, pressure is off, really, in the second and
09:53third game.
09:54You can maybe play a bit freer, but a bit more forward thinking, if you like.
09:58You're a bit more cautious in this opening game.
10:00You certainly don't want to lose it.
10:30You certainly don't want to lose it.
10:33Freeman.
10:37Nice touch from McKinney, but too strong in the end.
10:48Here's a wily old fox, the 63-year-old.
10:50He was at the last World Cup with Ecuador.
10:55Open the tournament by beating Qatar.
11:04to start. Sanandria beaten to that and here's Dest now for America, for a challenge of
11:12him, in CISO for Paraguay, now to Caceres. And it goes in CISO again, it's a useful
11:24ball, Richards watched it all the way. Good couple of minutes from NCISO, we've seen him before
11:33obviously, technically very good, linked the play up well and then made that run down the
11:37right-hand side, so great ball in actually. Richards clearing, so important to this defence, been
11:46brilliant for Palace hasn't he, since he's gone to the club. Another one of that, efficient
11:54signings, just £11 million he cost in the end, from Bayern. Forward from Alonso for Paraguay.
12:13McKenna, nicely done by the Juve player. Now Pulisic, first chance for him to get involved,
12:19and he might still come to something, it's an own goal. Bobadier puts through his own net,
12:31and it's a perfect dream start for the hosts. Lift off in LA. Look at these scenes.
12:49They will take the strike of luck, as America take the lead.
12:57Two great bits of play in this goal. McKenna first, he with a great bit of skill and a switch
13:03out wide, and then Pulisic, faced up with two of them, great little burst, bit of skill,
13:08bit of confidence, just there when you think McKenna should shoo, he tries to square it and...
13:15Not really sure what he's thinking there, putting it into his own net, runs into it, doesn't it?
13:19It's Bobadier. Two great bits of skill though. Nice confident play from the Americans.
13:27Started with McKenna in the middle of the park, we know he's a talent, but lovely bit of skill to
13:31switch
13:38and he could have gotten it louder, but in this wonderful arena it just has.
13:43Seven minutes, that's all it's all.
13:47And you have to feel for Damien Bobadier of Sao Paulo. Awful moment for him.
14:02YSA themselves have gone 8 games without keeping a clean sheet.
14:18Blyase themselves have gone 8 games without keeping a clean sheet.
14:26Robinson
14:38He's protesting his innocence
14:40He was a great bit of skill again
14:41We'll have a look now on the replay
14:42But seems a little bit harsh
14:44I think it's his first little free kick of the game
14:48But
14:50Nice and confident and positive again
14:52From Pulisic
14:53He did lunge at him a little bit
14:55Didn't he, to be fair
14:57Little knock, mate
15:00I'm not sure that's a yellow
15:09And it does give USA
15:12The set play opportunity
15:16Nick Tillman of Leverkusen
15:18And Anthony Robinson of Fulham behind it
15:22Square from Robinson
15:27Adams
15:31That's useful and inviting
15:33Well defended
15:36In the end by Diego Gomez
15:38They still haven't cleared
15:39Pulisic
15:43Gomez in the end
15:45Making another challenge for Paraguay
15:48Good ball in
15:49From Freeman
15:50Really dangerous
15:55Here he is again
15:56A player that moved to Villarreal in January
16:01Dest
16:03McKennie
16:10Robinson in the end
16:11Run that duel
16:14Robinson in the end run that duel
16:20That's nice
16:21Balogun's on the move
16:22He's got it here
16:23Balogun
16:24Clear by Alderete
16:25It's a good spell for America
16:27After the goal
16:36Pulisic
16:37She's not even hit that one
16:38Fisales is able to clear for Paraguay
16:44Confidence is up
16:45Tillman I think it was that time
16:46With the beautiful little flick
16:47Got the goal
16:49Everybody wants the ball
16:50Everybody's thinking sharply
16:51And turning it round corners
16:54It's a really good start from them
17:11Pulisic
17:16Tillman fouled
17:31Just caught him with his right knee
17:33On the back of his left heel there
17:34Good spot
17:35From the official
17:37The scorer of the own goal
17:58Pulisic
17:59It's a lively start
18:02From the Chelsea player
18:04Tantal Adams couldn't get that under control
18:05Though
18:08Referee has spotted the use of a hand
18:13Pulisic has been electric hasn't he
18:14From the beginning
18:18Taking responsibility
18:18When he gets the ball
18:19Taking risks
18:22Exactly what you want
18:23From
18:25The most creative player
18:33And we forget
18:34We seem to be talking about him
18:35For that long
18:35He's still only 27
18:38Yeah
18:43Played a lot of games
18:44Though hasn't he
18:45He's not quite fulfilled
18:47The potential
18:48Everyone thought
18:48Or the level
18:49He might get to
18:50But he's got some wonderful talent
18:51Great feet
18:54They're struggling at the moment
18:56Paraguay
18:57With the movement
18:57Of Tillman and McKennie
19:01They're both playing ahead of Adams
19:03At times
19:05Swapping their positions
19:06Sometimes left
19:07Sometimes right
19:07Getting in those little gaps
19:09Two very
19:10Technically gifted players
19:16He's in
19:17Looking to create the space
19:20For the shot
19:21Which he felt
19:22Was deflected
19:23And the
19:23Ducks referee
19:24Didn't
19:27It's good feet
19:30Nice and quick
19:30With his feet
19:31Just scoffs
19:31It a little bit
19:38Yeah he's right
19:39It's corner
19:46Now that's a throw
19:48And that's another
19:48Potential long one
19:51From Jose Caceres
19:52This time it goes short
19:53To Cubas
20:04Alonso
20:09Overhit by Almiron
20:10But Paraguay still get the throw
20:29And it goes from Alonso
20:32And Alonso
20:37And Alonso
20:37Looking for the foul
20:39And Danny McKaylee
20:41And coach Jeffrey
20:42Says get back to your feet
20:45Yep agreed
20:48Don't mind any ref
20:50Encourages the play
20:51When you get
20:51People falling over
20:53For a little touch
21:10Green
21:1383rd cap for him tonight
21:14Robinson
21:15Lovely first touch
21:18What's going to Balogun
21:19The intern is found best
21:22Balogun was waiting
21:23And Paraguay survive
21:25And America get a corner
21:27Well it's more good football
21:29But it's a terrible touch
21:30From Dest
21:31All he's got to do
21:33Is take a soft touch
21:34And side foot it
21:35Past the keeper
21:35I'm not surprised
21:36I'm not surprised
21:36Balogun
21:37Didn't take it on himself
21:38But that's
21:39Hutch there
21:41Gives the goalkeeper
21:42A chance
21:49Getting overloads at the moment
21:50Great rotation
21:52Of positions
21:54From USA
21:55Causing Paraguay
21:57All sorts of problems
21:59Robinson's corner
22:03Still potentially alive here
22:05Back in from the full
22:06And fullback
22:07Back in well
22:09Free kick in the end
22:16And the rest is the Paraguay
22:18Player down
22:20Clashing with Richards
22:31It looks accidental
22:32Doesn't it
22:33Yeah
22:35One of those things
22:43Good pressure though
22:44Isn't it from USA
22:47That flexibility
22:48They've got now
22:49Maybe Poch has got
22:52He's responsible
22:53For that in many ways
22:54You know
22:54That ability to change
22:55With the ball
22:56Without the ball
22:57The rotation
22:57Of the front boys
23:01It's good to watch
23:05Little word down there
23:06With
23:07Ream and Robinson
23:16Did of course
23:17Play in a World Cup
23:19Need to be reminding
23:20In 2002
23:21For Argentina
23:23And he brought down
23:24Our good friend
23:24Michael Owen
23:25For the penalty
23:34David Beckham dispatched
23:36And he's actually
23:36In the crowd tonight
23:38Just across from us
23:42Sitting next to Tom Cruise
23:45As you do
23:50We couldn't squeeze him
23:51In up here anyway
23:54I'd rather be sitting
23:55With you than one of them
23:56Mate
23:56Of course you would
23:57That is the right answer
23:59Daniel
24:00Another 36 days together
24:06Pulisic
24:08That's a Paraguay throw
24:15Just got to try and regain
24:17Some composure
24:19Paraguay
24:19They've been a bit
24:20All over the place
24:23Get some possession
24:24Slow the game down
24:25A little bit
24:25Ease their way back in
24:30There's that long throw
24:31From Caceres again
24:33Towards Sanabria
24:34But didn't reach him
24:39Composure from the fullback
24:41Reams block
24:49And that's been the way
24:50Of USA
25:01Didn't seem to go out of play
25:02Did it?
25:08Richards and
25:09Alderete incidentally
25:10Are back on
25:11And okay
25:12Here is the Palace man
25:18See now we can see
25:19Robinson high on the left
25:21Dest high on the right
25:22That back four
25:23Now becomes a three
25:25And then in the middle
25:26Of the pitch
25:27You've got all this
25:29Rotation of the midfield
25:30Boys
25:31Pulisic
25:32Pulisic coming in
25:33Off that left hand side
25:34Really difficult
25:34To defend against
25:39I must say
25:40Vantage point high up here
25:43At this stadium
25:44It's perfect for your
25:45Tactical insight
25:53Tillman on the right
26:02The first 20 minutes
26:03Has actually been a great example
26:04Of
26:06How important it is
26:07To get players running
26:08Past the striker
26:09Three or four times
26:10They've done it
26:10They've got runners
26:11From midfield
26:12Getting past the striker
26:13Which gives you options
26:14When you're playing forward
26:15And pushes the defence back
26:20Gomez the cup
26:27Intensity again
26:28From the USA
26:46Since I lose his appeal
26:48Again
27:13To the sick
27:16Found
27:16With his first touch
27:19Fabulous run as well
27:40From the sick once more
27:50Freeman
27:53Balogun
27:56Couldn't quite find McCanny
27:57And it's covered by Hiel
27:58The Paraguay goalkeeper
28:07It's a good play again
28:10Nice and creative
28:11And bold with their runs forward
28:12The two midfield boys right
28:14In close proximity to Balogun
28:16Little intricate passes
28:19The only small risk with that
28:20If you've got two of your central midfielders
28:21Getting forward to try and join the forward all the time
28:24And you do lose the ball
28:26You can be in trouble
28:29Sounds like you're speaking from experience
28:30Yes
28:32That's why I didn't go forward when I got older
28:34Just stayed back
28:36It's been an impressive start I have to say
28:40Full of confidence
28:41Good energy
28:45And good quality
28:46More importantly
28:49They've certainly got energy from this crowd
28:53It's actually only the third time
28:55In LA
28:56That the USA have
28:58Played in front of their own fans
29:00So not only the opening game of the host world cup
29:03But
29:03A rarity in this part of California
29:06For them to see the national team play
29:09Pulisic
29:13That is the first hydration break
29:17He was allowed to do something wrong
29:18Because he's had a brilliant 20
29:20What is it
29:2022 and a half minutes
29:25And the USA
29:28Very good value
29:30For their 1-0 lead so far
29:37And don't forget of course you can get involved in our world cup coverage
29:40Scan that QR code on your screen now
29:42Head to the live page
29:43In the BBC sport app
29:45For polls updates
29:47And reaction
29:49And while we have the break
29:51Let me remind you
29:51On Saturday
29:53We have Brazil's first game
29:56As they open up against Morocco
29:57That is a 10.30pm start
30:00On BBC One
30:02And then as if you need a reminding
30:04In the early hours of Sunday morning
30:05It's a 1.10pm start
30:06For Scotland
30:08As they play their first game
30:10At a world cup
30:10Since 1998
30:13Against Haight
30:17So Gustavo Orfaro
30:18Using the opportunity here
30:21For some words of encouragement
30:23Well it's a good time for them to have a break
30:25That's for sure
30:27Because they're struggling with the movement
30:29And the quality
30:30Of the Americans
30:33Might make a little switch
30:35Just to try and get back in the game
30:37Maybe go through
30:37A more orthodox 4-5-1
30:40Leave striker ice lane
30:42Maybe put and see so wide
30:43Or even drop him in a little bit
30:44And try and get on the ball
30:45Get on the ball
30:46Off the back players
30:47Because he's capable
30:51That's the unfortunate moment
30:52For Bombardier
30:53That separates the two teams
30:54At the moment
31:08They are typically a team
31:10That don't concede many
31:12Paraguay
31:15Paint sheets have been very important
31:17To Alfaro since he took charge
31:21Well they managed to beat Brazil
31:23And his native country
31:25Argentina at home
31:29They have struggled at times
31:30To score goals though
31:31Haven't they
31:31I think they go
31:3214 and 18
31:33In the qualifying
31:35That's not particularly productive
31:39But we'll have to take a risk
31:40At some point in this game
31:41But at the moment
31:41You feel like
31:42They've got to concentrate
31:43On staying in it
31:46Stem the flow of
31:48American attacks
32:18So Rando Gil
32:19He plays his football
32:21In Argentina
32:22The Paraguay goalkeeper
32:23Ready to get his back
32:25Rando way
32:48Robinson
32:49At every minute
32:51In Qatar
32:52Four years ago
33:00Doolisic's onside
33:05He's found McKennie
33:06Taylor Adams
33:08This is useful
33:09And that's 2-0
33:13It's Balogun
33:16I think he's going to be off
33:17From the original
33:19Yes the flag has now got
33:21It was a very late flag
33:24It was very late
33:25But it did look off
33:26From where I was
33:27We've got a great angle up here
33:29We'll have a look now
33:33Yep
33:34He's a good two
33:35Three yards off isn't he
33:37Toolisic I think it is
33:41Extraordinary late flag actually
33:42Bizarre
33:46Good finish though
33:51He might have been half a yard himself
33:52To be honest
33:53Even for the goal
33:53But it was the one before
33:55Wasn't it
33:56The fact it was so obvious
33:58Makes it strange
33:59That he didn't put his flag up earlier
34:02So that isn't his
34:03Tenth goal
34:04For the USA
34:05And that is a huge relief
34:06To Paraguay
34:08Can't get into this game
34:09At the moment
34:17Olderata
34:20And Cesar
34:22And Cesar
34:29It's gone
34:30America's way
34:53Alex Freeman on the other end of it.
35:08Cubas for Paraguay, along from the captain, Gomez, well defended by Alex Freeman, I was making
35:31that point before the game, Danny, with American Elf, 17 players in Europe's top leagues,
35:36nine of them starting, they look a more experienced outfit, don't they, than the ones we've seen
35:40in the past.
35:41Absolutely, they do look composed, look like they're dealing with the occasion really well,
35:46and that's because of the amount of, here goes Pulisic.
35:49This is promising again, is it this time?
35:53Well he didn't need a second invitation, Florian Balogun, and now he can celebrate, and now
36:03USA are 2-0 in front.
36:08The man who got 19 this season for Monaco, has his tenth for his country, and he has a World
36:18Cup goal, again it's a good run forward from Pulisic, makes the right decision with a great
36:30pullback, and for a man of Aladon's class and quality, he's never going to miss that, but
36:41that ball from Robinson getting Pulisic away, again nice and positive and direct, not too
36:46many passes in his own half, but the run from Pulisic again, terrific, comes to feet, spins
36:52him behind, they haven't been able to handle him at all, he's come inside, he's gone out wide,
36:57he's joined Balogun, he's dropped in, he's been absolutely terrific.
37:04Well they are more than in their stride, the hosts here, and Balogun, who did play for
37:13the England number 21s, before following the country of his birth, he's on the score sheet
37:22and he's in the penalty area again here, desperate defending from Popatia.
37:46Obviously Pulisic up against Caceres there, he's the man on the yellow as well, the Paraguay right-back.
38:07McKinney.
38:08McKinney.
38:08McKinney.
38:09McKinney.
38:10McKinney.
38:11McKinney.
38:22McKinney.
38:25McKinney.
38:30McKinney.
38:33Chasing shadows, Paraguay at the moment.
38:35They are, and that's mainly down to the quality and speed of thought and decision-making from the American players
38:42They're trying, the system's helping
38:47USA as well, it's very fluid, very flexible
39:12Freeman
39:19He's looked sharp hasn't he, Balogun, very, really sharp, really confident, coming off the good, the back of a good
39:27season
39:33There goes Robins
39:35He's just trying to keep his feet
39:39Goodman found Pulisic
39:42Tillman
39:44We want one more
39:53Richards with the interception
39:56Now Maron
39:59Now Dest for USL
40:01And the supporters enjoyed that piece of skill, good advantage from the referee
40:12Pulisic up against Caceres again
40:15And he's beaten him again
40:18Balogun
40:20Couldn't quite get the contact
40:23It's relentless from America though
40:29Dest
40:30Clear by Gomez
40:35It's coming straight back at Paraguay
40:41It's too easy for them isn't it?
40:44Caceres is having a really difficult time, I know he's got a tackle in there but he needs help
40:49For full-back struggling against such a quality winger, you've got to get help over to him
40:53Got the wide man in front
40:56Gomez getting back in, doubling up
40:58Got to try and do something, or you change the system and go to five at the back so he
41:02can get really tight and have a centre half covering him
41:05Can't let that carry on for the rest of the game because he is getting tasked in
41:09Every time he goes up one on one against him
41:12And actually Caceres to be fair to him, at times he's got Robinson on the outside of him
41:17As well
41:42Mechanic, his run wasn't picked up
41:45That didn't reach Balogun, it has reached Tillman
41:48And that was an important block
41:50From Andres Cubac for Paraguay and it's a USA corner
41:54Again, the running off the ball from midfield players in to channels
42:00Takes energy
42:03Willingness to run in beyond, to run in behind, to give options to the man on the ball
42:07Fantastic
42:24Mike Tillman of Leverkusen to deliver the USA's second corner of the game
42:31Mover Ream into Richards
42:32Oh!
42:35Wilson too far away
42:41Quite a way out wasn't it, keep rally covered I think anyway, but we know he's good in the air
43:06So one for Dest
43:30It's been really obvious to see from Pochettino
43:33the difference when they have the ball
43:35and when they haven't got the ball
43:36the two changes in the system
43:38when they've got the ball
43:39and Robinson flies on
43:41and Desk keeps his position out here wide
43:44Balogun leading the line
43:45and then the three behind
43:47taking control of the game
43:50Tillman
43:52McKennie and Pulisic
43:54and then when they
43:55when they defend
43:57they tend to go back to a back four
43:59don't they
44:01Tillman drops in next to
44:02Tyler Adams
44:06and then they've got a good shape about them
44:08yes the quality they're up against isn't brilliant but
44:12still impressive to see how they've adapted
44:16to being on and off the ball so quickly
44:18so easily
44:19in such an important game
44:20because it can go wrong when you
44:22you do try and do that
44:24that's why we don't see many teams do it very often
44:29absolutely
44:29you can see the Pochettino stamp
44:32on this team tonight
44:33without a shadow of doubt
44:48Dormes with the header
44:50safely back from Rheem
45:19Bonagun was called that
45:21sure one for it
45:22sure one for it
45:22sure one for it
45:24sure one for it
45:51nice
45:52done really well again
45:55past Alonso as if he wasn't mad
45:57did the hard work didn't he
45:59beat his man so easily
46:00and then actually
46:01picking someone out was the
46:04easier part of the equation
46:05fires it straight at the goalkeeper
46:19long from Aldereta
46:22Reem recovered
46:34really offered very little haven't they
46:36Paraguay apart from that early
46:37little burst in the first few minutes
46:40once Sanabria got inside that
46:42inside left channel
46:44other than that
46:48it's been really poor
46:57Pulisic trying his luck again
46:58and that's gone against the American that time
47:02they have but I have to say
47:04being inside this stadium Danny the energy
47:06which nearly 60 odd thousand Americans are giving their team
47:10is incredible
47:11it must be difficult for a team playing against the host in the over in this scenario
47:18absolutely
47:29the thing is the American team has actually given the crowd plenty to be energized about
47:36from the positive start they made real intent forward passing quickly runners in behind like we talked about
47:43the pressing
47:45it's kind of give and take with the support sometimes
47:47yes there was an energy but it's got even more since they because they played so well
47:56left McKinney a little short there
47:58best here goes in Ciso for Paraguay
48:01fabulous recovery from Freeman
48:05Pulisic
48:09America can try and build again
48:12best
48:14McKinney goes on past him
48:16this will be a fabulous goal of presenting at the end of it
48:21keel with the save
48:26Paraguay survive again just
48:29McKinney and Tillman again
48:31Freeman
48:39it was McKinney and Tillman again
48:43brilliant runs
48:45really
48:47pushing them back trying to get in behind I mean McKinney's made
48:51eight or ten of those
48:53I'm not sure he's going to be able to carry on doing that in the second of
48:56he's just had a breather
48:57a second ago hands on his knees
49:00don't blame him he's been terrific
49:02and Tillman as well he was in there ready for the tapping
49:09and that comes from the manager giving them the freedom
49:12insisting that they do it get yourselves in the box go and win the game go and score a goal
49:16instead of the cautious approach you know we see so often
49:31Tillman
49:35disappointed he didn't get the foul
49:37Sanabria for Paraguay he does get the foul
49:40Richards the offender
49:42and that comes from the
49:42and that comes from the
49:42and that comes from the
49:43and that comes from the
49:43and that comes from the
49:44and that comes from the
49:55and that comes from the
49:58and that comes from the
49:59and that comes from the
49:59and that comes from the
50:00and that comes from the
50:00and that comes from the
50:00and that comes from the
50:01and that comes from the
50:01and that comes from the
50:01and that comes from the
50:02and that comes from the
50:02and that comes from the
50:02and that comes from the
50:04and that comes from the
50:05and that comes from the
50:14Ream lost his footing and still managed to improvise
50:24Tyler Adams of Bournemouth
50:33Another five minutes of added time
50:36At the end of this first half
50:41The USA supporters don't want to end
50:47No, they're good value for the 2-0
50:51Could even be more, they've been terrific
50:53Good quality mixed with great energy and willingness to get in the box
50:57Get crosses in
50:59Really gone after Paraguay
51:00And they've got their just desserts
51:02Their rewards I should say
51:03Just desserts
51:06I'm getting peckish already
51:07That's happening a day in it
51:09Floated in by Robinson
51:10And held by Heal
51:20He've resisted the desserts
51:21So far on this trip
51:22I was just thinking that
51:23So have you haven't you
51:24Yeah
51:24We've been
51:25Two good little boys
51:26There's time yet
51:27There's time yet
51:29There's time yet
51:54There's time yet
51:59I'm not jealous.
52:03It's a slightly different look from the former Spurs manager.
52:18The look of his team is very positive at the moment.
52:29Here comes Matt Friss.
52:32He's been a virtual bystander in this first half, the New York City goalkeeper.
52:59Alonso.
53:05Driven away by Alderata.
53:11McKennie thought long and hard about his options.
53:14Should have hit it.
53:15He was there to be hit.
53:18Clivas with the clearance.
53:21Paraguay losing possession cheaply.
53:24But again McKennie's in there.
53:26It's that willingness to run off the back of people time and time again.
53:29Yes poor defender someone's got to track him but he keeps getting himself in there.
53:34I thought he was there to be hit.
53:41Freeman.
53:55Dest.
53:57Freeman once more.
54:00Again McKennie was the target.
54:03Monzo's clearance.
54:05They just cannot get out here Paraguay.
54:10And again no out ball.
54:19We talked about the quality of America but we're also talking about the physicality.
54:23I mean they look physically stronger than Paraguay.
54:25They look quicker.
54:27More powerful.
54:31Balogun.
54:32Away from Alderata.
54:34Balogun again.
54:42Two for him.
54:44Three for the United States.
54:48Who are in dreamland to the end of this first half.
54:55What an opening script from the hosts.
55:04Look at these scenes.
55:07What a flying start.
55:12And after 16 years away from the World Cup.
55:15A very different emotion for Paraguay.
55:18Who now trail by three goals to nil.
55:23Well there's another great run.
55:24He's on side.
55:26Lovely little pass as well.
55:27But when he gets in here.
55:28Look how sharp he is.
55:29Composure.
55:31What a finish that is by the way.
55:34That's a striker.
55:35Full of confidence.
55:37Beautiful.
55:41Stays nice and strong there.
55:42Stays on his feet as well.
55:43Doesn't try and go down.
55:45Super technique.
55:48Best goal of the night.
55:51He's been electric as well.
55:52He's been electric as well.
55:52They've been really really good.
55:55USA have been really good.
55:57And that was.
55:59Quite literally the last kick.
56:02Of.
56:02An unbelievable first half.
56:04An unbelievable first half.
56:04For America.
56:05Yeah.
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