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World Cup 2026 - USA vs Paraguay Full Match ( ⚽ 2nd Half )
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00:01They can still qualify because of that third place, it's still rescuable, but not if they get whooped five or
00:08six, it'll be harder.
00:10No, I think it's damage limitation now for them, it's try and score a goal and try and keep a
00:14clean sheet in this second half, and that is literally it.
00:18Substitutes have been made, let's get the details as we head back to Danny and Steve.
00:23Thanks chappers, well Christian Pulisic rested for the USA, that is Sebastian Berhalter, the son of the former coach Greg,
00:31who's on for the second half, heavily linked at the moment incidentally with a move to Derby County, as Paraguay
00:38get us underway in the second half, they have introduced Brazilian born Maurizio at half time, who's recently converted to
00:46Paraguay because of his grandmother, he's on for his
00:52fourth cap, the USA, lead at half time, by three goals for the first time ever, in a World Cup
01:02game.
01:20Oh, they're at it.
01:21Oh, they're at it.
01:32And Balogun is still on, on two goals, let me tell you there's only one American ever, that has scored
01:38a World Cup hat-trick, and that was back in 1930, when the USA actually played Paraguay.
01:46The way he was performing in that first half, he will fancy for the history there, in fact there's only
01:54been five hat-tricks in World Cup history from host players.
02:01That's for Robinson to chase.
02:05Doesn't look like Paraguay have made a tactical change, just a homerun's come on to the right, Maurizio's gone on
02:12to the left, similar system, surprises me a lot.
02:23Tillman's throw.
02:34There he is, Balogun, at least one goal away from absolute USA history.
02:50Great ball.
03:04Can't see so.
03:06Oh.
03:14Almiron.
03:17Caceres with the cross, Ream with the outstretched leg.
03:21It's back to Almiron.
03:22He actually hit his own player, Sanabria.
03:34Gomez and Balogun having a little bit there, Gomez not happy.
03:42Little bit of each other's shirt there, wasn't it?
03:47No wonder he's disappointed.
03:58Oh, that was loose from Freeman.
04:01Now, Camp Paraguay profit.
04:04Ream's come across.
04:06And he's got the all-important deflection there, Tim Ream.
04:11Well, Pochettino's off the bench because he's not happy.
04:14Silly mistake.
04:15Last thing you want to do is let him back in with a silly mistake.
04:19We know Gomez can score from those type of angles.
04:22He's got a hell of a shot on him.
04:33So, Paraguay have their first corner of the game.
04:40USA have everyone back to defend it.
04:42It's gone short.
04:44Alderete.
04:45Might fancy a crack.
04:49The flag didn't go up.
04:51Not yet, anyway.
04:52Away by Balogun.
05:02Caceres.
05:07Almiron away from Ream.
05:21I think he must have caught him because he's not protesting too much.
05:25And also...
05:28Almiron claim straight away.
05:30So, we'll have a look now.
05:31Oh, he didn't, did he?
05:37Don't think so.
05:46What can you say?
05:50Consider he didn't do much, he took it well, the other, didn't he?
05:57Well, they've got to maintain their concentration levels.
06:01Not why Maffrey's not been tested at all so far this evening.
06:09Infamous Cesar.
06:13Away by Robinson.
06:15He actually took that off his own, man.
06:19What's the referee stop play for here?
06:21Don't know.
06:24It's a VAR intervention.
06:36Mistaken identity.
06:42Is he going to book Almiron for diving, instead of Tim Reed?
06:53He's going to be...
06:56Good spot.
06:58And the right decision, I might add.
07:07I was going to have a look at it.
07:16You won't need to look at it long.
07:19I'm not sure why they've said it.
07:20Maybe that's just procedure with some of these new rules, but...
07:25It's the right choice.
07:26It's the right decision.
07:26It's the main thing.
07:32I was giving him...
07:35He's got a red card in his hand.
07:41Danny McKaylee has cancelled Reims' yellow.
07:45And he's shown a second yellow.
07:47Has he?
07:50No, he just had the red in his hand.
07:52It looked like he was going to do something with it.
07:55I was going to say it was Caceres who was booked, not Almiron.
08:02He got there in the end.
08:08Maybe they should put the cards in different pockets.
08:11Yeah.
08:19Paraguayan commentator to our right when he pulled out the red card and his head in his hands.
08:26And you know that hook that he turned on the court when he isn't in the book.
08:28He can't be sent off for simulation.
08:31I think he has any adaptation of the rules that means diving gets more punished is good.
08:36Absolutely.
08:38That is a good use of VAR.
08:40As we both correctly said, Reim didn't touch it.
08:45Anyway, that's cleared up.
08:59He's done well staying on the pitch, really, Caceres, the right-back.
09:02He's had a tough, tough evening.
09:17Well, that was loose.
09:18Straight to Tillman.
09:20And he tried to roll it into Serginho Dest.
09:30He's got to be more ruthless and selfish there.
09:33I think he's got a great opportunity just to whip one in either corner,
09:36get himself on the score sheet.
09:42Orlando Hill and the Paraguay goals are a lead man.
10:03Tillman.
10:04Oh, that was a sharp turn.
10:09He's looking at the Dutch referee.
10:15Sounds like your gut instinct was no.
10:21What do you think now?
10:25No, I think he stands his ground.
10:28I don't know if that's a penalty.
10:37Dest.
10:47I can see why he appealed for it.
10:51Desperate for the hat-trick.
10:52Can't blame him.
10:54And history.
10:56Yeah.
10:59Dest.
11:05Mechanic.
11:08He's enjoyed himself so far.
11:10He has.
11:12He's been really good.
11:34He's a tough lad, good player.
11:36He's done a brilliant job for Bournemouth this season.
11:39Not like him to over-exaggerate a fall, to be honest.
11:45Give him the benefit of the doubt.
11:49No, I won't.
11:50But...
11:50Don't wait.
11:57And Ceesa.
12:08Tillman out to Robinson.
12:11Brilliant from the full-on full-back
12:13Cross too strong for Balogun
12:18Tillman's effort blocked
12:24Good numbers was getting in the box wasn't it
12:27Robinson did his bit of skill to get down the outside
12:29There was four players Buston had got to get in there and try and score
12:46Fustration is evident down there
12:54They don't want to get embarrassed here they don't want to take a beating
12:57No you want to show some pride don't you some fight
13:00They started the second half okay they've been a bit better a bit more adventurous but
13:04The quality of this American side is too much for them
13:07They can't cope when they come they keep coming with their attacks the 1v1 situation defensively they're struggling
13:16Giving the ball away cheaply at times as well
13:23Problem for Parch of course is just
13:26When does he bring his best players off when does he think ahead for the next one well?
13:30He removed Pulisic at half-time wrapped him in cotton wool here's Dest
13:39He's got his team a corner that's the third for America so far
13:44That's the third for America so far
14:07Half as they did in the first
14:09They've got another corner to defend here
14:13And towards Ream
14:17Flipped away by Maurizio
14:31There's a yellow card brandished for Tyler Adams
14:41City really in it three nil up
14:57Foul on Ninciso
14:59He's now playing his football
15:01Under Gary O'Neill at Strasbourg
15:03We hope to get into the top 8
15:05In France this season
15:07And of course to the
15:07Conference League semi-finals
15:11Still only 22
15:33Here come the USA again
15:35Balogun waiting patiently in the middle
15:37Too strong for him off Caceres
15:40Tillman
15:45Tillman again
15:47So lucky
15:50Great little link up
15:51Love that from Tillman
15:52There's a midfielder
15:55Into your striker
15:56And then follow your ball
15:57Nearly get
16:01Did get caught
16:29Let's go
16:32Green
16:36Silke from the 38-year-old
16:39Here they come again
16:40McKennie
16:41Dest high up on this right-hand side
16:48Didn't reach Balogun
16:52Verhalter
16:54Tillman
17:09Hardway are making another change
17:11Removing Sanabrio
17:13Had very little
17:16To feed off tonight
17:18Alex Arsa
17:20And the 30-year-old
17:23Is on in his place
17:27Places football in Argentina
17:2916th cap
17:41Dest
17:42Dest
17:56And that was Alderete on Balogun
18:00Referee was happy with that challenge
18:03His best again
18:06It's still alive Robinson
18:09Losing out to Caceres
18:15It's good intensity for America
18:17The easy option would have been to slow the tempo down and keep the ball and drop in and protect
18:24what you've got but they're going for it
18:27Enjoying themselves as they said in the studio all the time they're right they are enjoying it why not why
18:33wouldn't you be
18:43Bex and Cruz
18:44Bex and Cruz
18:45Bauer and Murphy
18:46He's not going to have the same
18:47He's not going to have the same ring has it
18:50There's Balogun
18:51Oh
18:52Tillman wanted that across the face he was looking for Berhalter again
19:00I think it would have been
19:02He'd prefer to have been on the end of his own pass there
19:06Another great run from him though
19:08He must be thinking
19:09Although he want him to get the hatchet
19:12Protect him
19:15Strangely enough Balogun won't be thinking that will he?
19:17No
19:32Almiron
19:32Six years a Newcastle player
19:34Back in this country with Atalanta United
19:38From Newcastle signing him in the first place
20:01Uncissus
20:06That's the next trick going for the goal himself
20:12Boul, that foot
20:16Cnone
20:17Diego Gomez
20:25It's good good run from a see-saw nice and positive good skill
20:31Glides with the ball doesn't he's got nice feet
20:34And when it comes out to go as we've seen them obviously for Brian scores some wonderful goals
20:41Wasn't meant to be
20:45As he scored against Brazil in the qualifiers Diego Gomez that victory
21:04All the red taste had it
21:12All the good court again
21:15Three ways play on again
21:18McKinney
21:18He's all right
21:28Adams
21:35First time Balogun incidentally has scored two goals for his country
21:40Three
21:43And he's only ever scored one hat-trick in his entire career that was in Ligue 1 for Rennes against
21:49Lorient
21:49This is a slightly different stage with the greatest respect to them
21:54Here's Dest and Balogun's waiting in the penalty area didn't reach him
21:58Clear by Gomez
22:07Berholtz has just gone come in hasn't he and sat next to Tyler Adams just to shore things up let
22:11the other lads go and get on with it
22:12They are missing that little bit of spark from Pulisic but
22:16Still making chances still getting in behind and just got that little bit of
22:20Cover there in the middle of the park in case
22:26He was actually born in London
22:27And Sebastian Berhalter whilst his father Greg was a Crystal Palace player
22:35And CISO to chase and talking of Palace players
22:38Impeccably timed by Chris Richards
22:50One goal away from history as well here USA because they've never scored four in a World Cup game
22:59As we have the second half
23:04Hydration break
23:11Good opportunity to tell you you can scan the QR code out on your screen now and you can have
23:17your say on the BBC Sports
23:19Player rating
23:21Mr.
23:23Who has shined
23:25So far obviously
23:27In the American team mainly
23:30Danny
23:32Balogun will be the obvious one
23:36McKennie of course showed some wonderful touches even Pulisic would still get some people's votes for that
23:41Wonderful first half but
23:43I'd be surprised if Balogun and McKennie weren't at the top of people's votes
23:47Or thoughts
23:48Have your say now with that QR code on your screen
23:51And let me remind you of the live games up and coming
23:54A couple of belters for you
23:56Brazil-Morocco on Saturday
23:5810.30pm start on BBC One
24:00And then in the early hours on Sunday
24:0210 past one
24:04The Tartan Army in Scotland
24:06Against Haiti
24:13Will Mrecio Pochettino will have wanted the same intensity
24:16And he's had it
24:19He just asked Balogun if he was OK and he was like, yep
24:23What answer did he expect?
24:28And he's a goal away from history
24:36Pochettino much the happier of the two Argentinian coaches down there
24:58A little glance
25:01At the screen there from Balogun to see how long is remaining
25:07No prizes for guessing what is at the forefront of his mind
25:11And why not?
25:13Well, he'll be thinking, won't he?
25:14I mean, he'll know the importance
25:15And the history that he'll be creating by doing it
25:20He will start playing on his mind because he'll desperately want to be the
25:24Well, he'll want the match group
25:25And he'll want the Claudettes of course
25:27And he'll want to make history
25:30For his country, who wouldn't?
25:31Even at one point
25:54One point
26:00לה之助
26:01إلى
26:01choking
26:01This time, throw it long, well defended by the USA, in particular there by Anthony Robinson.
26:13The USA free king.
26:21And by the referee who has utilised one of the ten new rules tonight with that mistaken identity review.
26:33I actually feel a bit sorry for the officials, wanting to learn ten more new rules.
26:38Not to mention us.
26:40Yeah, but we're not out there getting the flack, are we?
26:45Ricardo Pepe and Timothy Weir are coming on and that would suggest there is no history hat-trick for following
26:55Balogun.
26:59Shane, he's been brilliant though.
27:09And Dest is the first to depart.
27:15And Balogun the second.
27:18And most of this stadium are on their feet.
27:21Applauding the man who played a couple of times in the Premier League for Arsenal.
27:25That successful loan spell at Middlesbrough as well.
27:30Arsenal, I remember, sold for £35 million, but he isn't going to be the hat-trick hero.
27:34There we go.
27:37Muir and Pepe are on.
27:53Pepe the 23-year-old at PSV.
27:57And he liked Balogun on the back of a season where he scored 19 goals.
28:21And Cissot, chance for Paraguay, 3-1.
28:24Good finish.
28:25And it's Maurizio, the half-time substitute.
28:28The Brazilian-born player.
28:30The Brazilian-born player.
28:30And it's Maurizio, the half-time substitute.
28:31Who pledged his allegiance to Paraguay.
28:34In his fourth cap.
28:36Has his first goal for his country.
28:40And they have reduced it to 3-1.
28:44That makes it a little bit interesting.
28:47Can they find some energy?
28:52He's onside with the long ball pumped up from the goalkeeper.
28:56Don't win the first header.
28:59Almiron does well, and then...
29:01He's nice and calm.
29:06Here, the calmness, the little pass there.
29:11Maurizio finds himself on that left side,
29:13where Ware's just come on and replaced Dessau.
29:15I'm not sure where there's a lot of communication.
29:17Is it me, is it...?
29:19That can happen sometimes when you make the subs.
29:24He's obviously switched off for a second.
29:35It's a special moment for him anyway.
29:39Palmaris, the 24-year-old.
29:42Paraguayan grandmother is the reason he's playing.
29:44That's been given straight to Tillman.
29:46Here's Tillman again!
29:50Straight at heel.
29:52What is Pepe doing?
29:56He's one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
29:58He's a striker.
29:58He's got, what did you say, 19 goals this season?
30:00Yep.
30:01And he's reversed it back to the midfielder,
30:03who's given it to him.
30:03He's in a better position.
30:05He didn't need to.
30:06It's too elaborate.
30:08Just finish...
30:08Just finish it.
30:09Finish the game.
30:10You're the striker.
30:11You're in the better position.
30:13You've got more time, more space than Tillman.
30:16I mean, the poor...
30:17The finish was poor from Tillman.
30:19Don't get me wrong, but...
30:22Lovely turn from the aforementioned Tillman.
30:25No.
30:27Can't find...
30:28Mercado Pepe.
30:30Interesting.
30:42Almero.
30:52Tower on header from Richards.
30:54It's where Tillman.
31:27American support has just increased the decibel level, they'd love to see another goal,
31:33remember they've never seen their country score four in the World Cup.
31:50USA Free King.
31:58The attendance is announced which is over 70,000, almost 70,500 inside the Sothe Stadium.
32:09Hardly a spare seat in the house.
32:14Long list of celebrities in attendance as well.
32:18And us.
32:22Tillman. Weir.
32:26Oh, good effort. Fingertips of heel.
32:40He's giving a goal kick. Yeah, it looks like.
32:44Oh, he did save it, yeah, just about.
32:47Wasn't the firmest hand actually, just the top of his fingers, took it away from the goals.
32:50Close, good effort from Weir.
33:01And nine games on the clean sheet will be a little frustration from Riccio Pochettino.
33:09Yeah, absolutely, but I do think the substitutions just impacted them pre-temporarily with the switch off,
33:14with the lack of communication on who was picking him up.
33:21And if they were to nick another one the next five, six minutes, then we would have a game on
33:24our own.
33:24It's great.
33:35Yes!
33:36Good luck.
33:42Good luck!
33:44Good luck!
33:46Good luck!
33:47Good luck!
33:48Good luck!
33:49and driving
33:53he's got the free kick and here's another one
33:55he's been excellent tonight
33:56he's been terrific
33:57a couple of times made the wrong decision when he's got in the box
34:01but generally been really really good
34:05I think Gomez has got a fair argument there
34:11that's the free kick that they gave him for
34:12the little pull just before he carries on
34:14it's not that
34:30that is Gustavo Velasquez
34:34we're also going to see Ramon Sosa
34:37and I think Alejandro Romero
34:40it's going to be a triple change
34:49the first two to go off
35:04Gio Reyna is also being prepared down there by Maurizio Pochettino
35:14they're furious because they can't get Romero on
35:29eventually they can
35:30in the place of Brighton's Diego Gomez
35:47but Hartle's free kick
35:49well defended by Gomez
35:51back from Rhee
35:57again turning away from goal
35:59he's still got it though
36:03it's a strange decision because he could have had a pulp
36:07now Tillman
36:15and that's a goal kick
36:27Gio Reyna
36:29is going to be introduced by Maurizio Pochettino
36:33could be for Tillman because he has covered a lot of ground
36:36been absolutely magnificent
36:50indeed it is Tillman who's departing
36:54Leverkusen midfielder
36:56former chairman under 21 international
36:59equally
37:01it's a terrific reception from the American supporters
37:10and he's replaced by Reyna who
37:12he's going to win back
37:14some of the love four years ago
37:15he's almost sent home
37:17if you remember from the USA squad
37:19because of behavioural issues
37:23we had to deal that with Danny
37:25almost 12 years ago as well
37:26what's that?
37:2712 years ago with you
37:33too old
37:34too old for bad behaviour
37:35too old for bad behaviour
37:42and Cesar
37:47foul by Weir
37:56it's actually quite strong
37:57the squad isn't it in some respects
38:01when you look at
38:03Paddy Wright on the bench
38:04he's had a great season
38:05Coventry
38:06you look at Aronson
38:07and Leeds
38:07he's been terrific
38:08they've got
38:09some real good quality there
38:11trusty of Celtic
38:16Cesar's free kick
38:19which is the just enough initially
38:22given the flag is up
38:23and now it's a USA free kick
38:25go APPLAUSE
38:26go
38:27you
38:27go
38:27you
38:43go
38:54go
39:00Patti can't get them under control
39:03Romero Camara
39:05Come for Paraguay
39:10Richard's in again
39:12And CISO considering
39:14This week in the Paraguayan media
39:16They thought he'd missed the game completely tonight
39:18They're still going strong
39:19Yeah he's looked sharp
39:20He's been their best player obviously
39:21As you'd expect
39:22Well not
39:24Obviously but he is a quality player
39:26He's the goal boy
39:27But considering he's been injured
39:30I mean you know to come in and still play
39:31But some magic moments
39:33Still goes past people comfortably
39:40You can also see can't you why this is the American side
39:45Relies on Richards a lot at the back
39:47The athleticism
39:49The aerial presence
39:51Plays out with the ball nicely as well
39:57He's won a lot of admirers of Palace this season
40:15Heal falling back the goalkeeper
40:17Managed to clear we are in
40:21And CISO yet again
40:24Oh that was beautiful
40:27Team Ream is the favourite
40:34Nicely done by the USA
41:03And CISO
41:07Paraguay free kick.
41:18Romero Camaro with it.
41:28And the USA free kick for the Fernand Adams.
41:47Oh my.
41:50Oh dear dear dear.
41:52When I said he was tough before.
41:55What is he doing?
42:01It's too ridiculous over the top dives from him.
42:06Doesn't need to do that.
42:07Terrific player.
42:08It's actually tough, quite tenacious in the tackle.
42:10And then he boils himself by doing that.
42:20He went to bed last night. 3-1 Maurizio. Take that.
42:25Absolutely.
42:28I think the quality of the performance as well.
42:34The energy.
42:40All of it has been really good.
42:42With and without the ball.
42:43Obviously the changes have not really helped.
42:46Lost a bit of rhythm and momentum which is understandable.
42:49Oh.
42:51No foul like that.
42:53But Alton mopping it up.
42:54Did well.
42:57And the foul on Reina.
43:00That's when you look back on the game.
43:01Could have scored a lot more than three goals.
43:04Yeah. I mean they had real spells of dominance.
43:06Where a game could have well.
43:07We thought it was over at half time.
43:09And it has been really.
43:10They have puffed and puffed a little bit.
43:11Paraguay in the second half but.
43:13Yeah.
43:14Could have had five or six comfortably.
43:17Last of the substitute.
43:19The latest with the yellow card.
43:23Well the Elmans are good.
43:25Because.
43:25When the USA have won their opening match.
43:29In three previous tournaments.
43:31They have always.
43:33Qualified from the group.
43:36Put themselves in a great position here for a fourth.
43:41Well.
43:41But.
43:43Ricardo Pappé.
43:44Will be disappointed to put it mildly.
43:50Great run again.
43:52Lovely pull back.
43:54Just gets under it.
43:56Leans back a little bit on his weaker four I think.
44:04Great from McKennie again though wasn't it.
44:06That willingness what we in 88 minutes.
44:09To.
44:10To still be running in behind.
44:11And try and make things happen.
44:21It's been penalized.
44:25My free cake.
44:36Holden's on in the way.
44:59Lorgensen in the way.
45:05Now the goalkeeper's out of his goal.
45:07Oh, no.
45:13And Berhalter couldn't score the fairytale fourth.
45:17No, it was there for him, wasn't it?
45:20Not easy when you're on the run, actually, especially...
45:22I mean, he's done all right since he's come on, he probably thought that was his moment, but...
45:27When you're travelling quickly to get the technique right,
45:32to get it under that bar in time, it's not easy.
45:43That's another USA free kick as the ball goes up to indicate seven extra minutes.
45:54Toils him a little bit.
46:16That must be for the goal.
46:22No?
46:23No?
46:23No.
46:25I'm confused with that one, Mr. Bauer.
46:36They've got Fugertino back in his technical area down there.
46:40Robinson swings in the free kick.
46:42Defended by Gomez for Paraguay.
46:47Robinson wants more.
46:49Oh, he's in here.
46:51Can he pull it across?
46:52He can't.
46:54Desperate defending.
46:55Hooked away by Alonso.
47:01Weir.
47:01No play.
47:03Oh, they're finishing the game in the same manner they started it.
47:11Robinson.
47:13Towards Pepe.
47:16Almost dropped to Weir.
47:25No play.
47:31And Cesar.
47:40Alonso's lost out there.
47:44And he knows what's coming next.
48:02That's a clear pull on Adams.
48:11This was the scramble.
48:13Yeah, he's done well hasn't he?
48:15He's got in some great positions.
48:16Robinson on the left-hand side.
48:18He just catches him there.
48:22High foot.
48:25On Gomez.
48:27That's what they're looking at.
48:41I think this crowd can be delighted with what they've seen, that's for sure.
48:44Everything you want from a team in an opening game.
48:48Positive.
48:50Creative.
48:50Good energy.
48:54Tenacious winning the ball back.
48:55Being brave on the ball.
48:59Lots to admire.
49:01Lots to enjoy.
49:03And as it stands, their biggest win in an opening World Cup game since 1930.
49:28That's a foul to Romero Gamara.
49:33One right now.
49:46So here's the time for a USA fourth.
49:51We've had four of the seven added minutes.
50:06Reina.
50:17Reina's aware.
50:42It's got Pepe to chase.
50:51They've got there in the end, Pepe.
50:53We are.
50:57Freeman.
51:10On goes McKennie, got there as well, couldn't quite find Pepe.
51:18Oh, the ratty in the way.
51:20Some energy, McKennie, you know.
51:22First game in a tournament when you haven't been, you know,
51:28playing properly and competitively for a good few weeks.
51:34He's looked super fit, great energy.
51:44Arthos wears a long way out.
51:47That was blocked by Kubas.
52:03We'll listen to this now in the final few seconds.
52:08Suffice to say, the Los Angeles crowd have enjoyed themselves
52:12because of the performance of their nation.
52:16Absolutely.
52:38Final few seconds now.
52:43And they scored right at the end of the first half.
52:46Rea, Pepe.
52:51Freeman.
52:57Reiner.
52:58Tried to guide it in.
53:04Gio Reiner.
53:08Means the USA score four goals on a World Cup for the very first time.
53:17And it is the perfect beginning for the hosts here in LA.
53:26Beautiful finish outside of the right foot from Reiner.
53:31Lovely technique.
53:32Keeper should do a bit better, I think.
53:34Doesn't move his feet, but...
53:37Great technique.
53:38Lovely finish.
53:39Just before that, he was actually having a row in the middle of the pitch
53:41with one of their players who bumped into him.
53:43Giving him what for.
53:44And then he thought, you know what?
53:45I'll stop rowing, I'll try and get myself forward and get myself a goal.
53:49I was watching him.
53:51But, yeah, super, super finish.
53:56We know he's been talking about for a long time,
53:58the ability, attitude, which, you know, grab that with players.
54:04And that was certainly the finish of a classy footballer.
54:08And the finish of a hugely impressive outing from the United States.
54:15They've won it by four goals to one.
54:17They've equaled their best ever World Cup win.
54:20And for the first time at a World Cup,
54:24they've scored four goals.
54:26And on home soil to boot.
54:30Look at Mauricio Pochettino.
54:32He couldn't dreamt of getting off to a better start.
54:35But Paraguay deservedly well beaten
54:40after 16 years away from the top table.
54:43Well, if expectations were bigger than ever,
54:47that performance and that result
54:50has only heightened them for the hosts.
54:54A fabulous atmosphere here in L.A. as well.
54:57It is finished.
54:59USA 4, Paraguay 1.
55:03Well, what a performance from Mauricio Pochettino's side there.
55:09What a start to the USA's World Cup on home soil.
55:16That gives it lift-off, doesn't it?
55:18They were unbelievable.
55:20You know, you talk about pressure,
55:22but they grasped it, they enjoyed it,
55:24the confidence, they flew out the blocks,
55:26the intensity in that first half.
55:29And then it maybe took the foot off the gas,
55:31maybe second half, but what a finish,
55:33just to round it off 4-1 by Reina.
55:35But, yeah, they could be really proud of that performance
55:37because I think they kind of shocked.
55:40They probably shocked the world with that performance,
55:42to be honest.
55:42The football they played,
55:43the formation, the fluidity,
55:45the connections, the physicality,
55:47the athleticism of the team as well.
55:49Great performance.
55:51And foot off the gas, to a certain extent,
55:54and substitutions may be, you know,
55:56just taking some of their main men off as well.
55:59It didn't stop them creating chances, though.
56:01No, they created three or four good chances
56:04before they scored the goal in the second half.
56:07I think Paraguay tried a little bit,
56:09got their goal,
56:09which USA a little bit disappointed about.
56:13But we were talking throughout the second half
56:15and just saying, you know,
56:16how big momentum is in a tournament.
56:18And have they just lost a bit of momentum
56:20that they had in the first half?
56:21Well, they got it back right at the end
56:23with that amazing goal.
56:24So I thought they managed the game pretty well,
56:26barred.
56:27Thanks.
56:27Thanks.
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