Following a glitzy build up which featured a performance from Katy Perry, watched on by Hollywood A-listers like Tom Cruise in the stands, and with thousands of fans decked out in the stars and stripes, they would have been forgiven for wilting under the pressure.
Instead they stepped up as three goals in a whirlwind first half, before a sublime fourth by Gio Reyna in stoppage time, secured a 4-1 win to ensure a perfect start in Group D.
You May Like
Â
But even before this display there were some who had recognised the potential of a USA side who have developed significantly under ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino over the past 20 months.
Former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola is one pundit who has suggested they are now on their way to being able to rub shoulders with Football’s elite.
Â
Meola, who was part of the US squad at the 1990, 1994, and 2002 World Cups, said now they are so much more established.
He pointed to players playing all round the world, an incredible league, and facilities the world is using right now, adding those were a pipe dream a few years ago and now they are a football nation.
Â
This was the first time since 1930 that the USA has won a World Cup game by three goals and it is a result that may well make other teams at this tournament sit up and notice.
England great Ellen White said on Source Match of the Day that USA were unbelievable, adding that you talk about pressure but they grasped at it and enjoyed it, probably shocking the world with that performance.
Place Your Ads Here
Target passionate football fans and sports enthusiasts. Highest engagement rates for sports betting, merchandise, and sports brands.
Place Your Ads Here
Target passionate football fans and sports enthusiasts. Highest engagement rates for sports betting, merchandise, and sports brands.
Three goals in the first half?? i thought this was supposed to be a tough group. paraguay looked like they won a raffle to be there
tbf paraguay arent exactly brazil. lets see them do this against a top side before we start planning the parade
true but you can only beat whats in front of you and 4-1 is a statement no matter who youre playing
paraguay made the quarters in 2010 put some respect on their name
that was 16 years ago
Pochettino has genuinely transformed this team. spurs fans watching this must be sick
poch at international level just hits different. less training sessions so less time to overcomplicate things lol
spurs fan here. can confirm i am sick. levy fumbled the bag so hard
levy fumbling bags isnt news its tradition