The U.S. men’s national team defeated Paraguay 4-1 on Friday, a result that highlighted the potential connection between Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
Pulisic called Balogun “insane” while the striker described the night as “dreamy.” The showcase left fans imagining how much that partnership could produce in the coming matches.
The win was not only about those two. Malik Tillman stood out in midfield, Gio Reyna scored a spectacular goal to close the match, and Chris Richards completed every pass he attempted. Memorable performances were found across the field.
Pulisic’s first half featured two dribbles that set up Paraguay’s own goal. He then found Balogun with a precise pass that continued the scoring and added his 21st national team assist. Balogun converted opportunities created by Pulisic while also showing skill in front of goal.
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Tyler Adams said of Pulisic, “He just glides by people. He’s one of the best players in his position in the world. And I don’t say that lightly. When he’s firing on all cylinders, he’s one of the best one-vs.-one players I’ve ever seen.”
Balogun’s presence on the field appeared to give Pulisic more freedom to attack from the wing. Pulisic’s fluid attacking moments were the kind fans have long wanted to see regularly.
Weston McKennie said, “I’ve always said it, and I will continue to say it, and I continue to back him up and the whole team will as well. Christian’s a guy that shows up in the big moments when you need him. And I think that’s what he did today.”
Paraguay did not perform well during the match but entered with credentials, having beaten both Argentina and Brazil during CONMEBOL qualifying. The U.S. performance against that type of opponent was described as meaningful.
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“You can hope for a performance like that,” Pulisic said. “You can expect a performance like that, but you can’t be certain that that’s the level of performance that you’re going to see in the first match.”
The U.S. repeatedly found gaps in Paraguay’s defense, applying pressure and forcing defenders to chase. Tillman’s control in midfield and Balogun’s pressing both played major roles in maintaining that rhythm.
Balogun’s effort and willingness to press stood out alongside his scoring. He drove a powerful shot into the upper corner for his second goal. He became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930. On this team, with this approach, his work rate was observed as helping to create space for others.
McKennie noted, “His performance, I think he did what his job is, what he’s supposed to do. I think that’s what we expect of him. That’s what he expects of himself. He wants to score goals. But I think also you saw another side of Flo today. He’s getting stuck into tackles and putting his body on the line. And I feel like in the past a lot of people maybe have not made him out to be a player like that, but I think he just showed everyone today that he’s willing to do the dirty work as well.”
Pulisic’s left calf drew attention after he left the match at halftime. Mauricio Pochettino said Pulisic was kicked in the area during training two days before. There did not appear to be major concern about him playing next against Australia in Seattle on Friday, though observers noted that his history with injuries made the substitution a point of concern.
The U.S. has seen strong striker performances in the past that did not last, yet Balogun’s display and demeanor suggested something distinct. The win, coupled with his goals and energy, suggested that his presence could elevate not just the attack but also Pulisic himself.
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