Kathmandu, June 13: Co-hosts United States got their FIFA World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the opening Group D match played in Los Angeles on Friday (local time).
The Americans took the lead as early as the 7th minute through an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla. Attempting to clear a shot from Weston McKennie, Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when Folarin Balogun found the back of the net. Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time to give the United States a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.
Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, offering a glimmer of hope for a comeback. However, the United States sealed the victory deep into stoppage time of the second half when Giovanni Reyna scored the team’s fourth goal, securing a dominant opening win.
With the result, the United States earned three points and moved to the top of Group D. The group also features Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye.
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina draw
Meanwhile, fellow co-host Canada was held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener.
Jovo Lukić gave Bosnia and Herzegovina the lead, but Canada fought back through Cyle Larin, who scored the equaliser in the 78th minute to salvage a point for the hosts.
The draw earned both teams a valuable point in Group B. The group also includes Switzerland and Qatar, with all four sides competing for a place in the knockout stage. #nepal (agencies)
