World Cup Nights: USA thrash Paraguay 4-1, Canada make history
An intense night of Cup action. In Los Angeles the United States start with a bang: 4-1 over Paraguay with a Balogun brace and a stunning first half. In Toronto, co-hosts Canada draw 1-1 with Bosnia and claim the first point in their World Cup history. Tonight Qatar-Switzerland closes Group B.
At Inglewood's SoFi Stadium the United States delivered the perfect night. A Bobadilla own goal opened the scoring on 7', then Folarin Balogun took over: a first-half brace and 3-0 already by the break. Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio on 73', but in stoppage time Gio Reyna made it four. Final score 4-1: the first time in history the USA have scored at least four goals in a World Cup match, and their first three-goal-margin win since way back in 1930. Balogun is also the first American to score a World Cup brace since that inaugural tournament.
A night to frame for Canada too. At Toronto's BMO Field — the first World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil — Bosnia struck first through Lukic on 19', but the hosts refused to fold: substitute Cyle Larin levelled on 79' for a 1-1 that means Canada's first-ever World Cup point (zero in their two previous appearances, 1986 and 2022).
Two co-hosts, two strong statements: after Mexico's winning bow, the USA and Canada also get on the board in front of their own fans. The record tournament is rolling, and home advantage is weighing heavily so far.
Tonight Group B wraps up: Asian champions Qatar face a Switzerland side that can't afford a slow start. With Canada already on 1 point, the winner goes straight to the top of the group.
On we go, one night at a time. See you tomorrow at dawn.
Highlights
In Italy, full matches are on RaiPlay.
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