The United States opened its FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday, repeating a result achieved against the same opponents at the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Playing on home soil, the Americans took an early lead through a Paraguay own goal before Folarin Balogun scored twice to put the hosts firmly in control. The forward struck in the 31st minute and again in first-half stoppage time, giving the United States a 3-0 advantage at the break.
Balogun became the first American player since 1930 to score two goals in a World Cup match. Paraguay responded after the interval when Mauricio found the net, but any hopes of a comeback were ended when Gio Reyna scored deep into stoppage time to complete a dominant victory.
The result moved the United States to the top of Group D, while Paraguay slipped to the bottom of the standings.
In Toronto, co-host Canada was held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Group B encounter.
Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukic, whose header from a corner kick marked his first international goal. Canada struggled to break down the visitors before substitute Cyle Larin equalised in the 78th minute, just two minutes after entering the match.
The game featured a controversial incident shortly after half-time when Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj collided with Canada striker Tani Oluwaseyi. Referee Facundo Tello allowed play to continue, prompting debate among commentators and former players.
The draw left both teams with one point in Group B as the tournament continued across North America.
