The United States, which is hosting the World Cup for the second time after 1994, launched its tournament perfectly, with a clear 4-1 success against Paraguay, which carried the mark of Folarin Balogun, author of a double, Friday in Los Angeles.
In search of enthusiasm in a gigantic country where “soccer” remains a secondary sport, Team USA has done its share of the work to try to trigger a little visible popular momentum in the country.
Thirty-two years after 1994, the World Cup, this time co-organized with Mexico and Canada, doubled in size to bring together 48 participants, and American football left amateurism, greeted former captain Tony Meola before the match.
“I never would have imagined that,” he said about the professionalization of the MLS championship.
SoFi Stadium, usual haunt of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, and its transparent roof brought back nostalgia the old charm of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (north-east), home of the 1994 final, about thirty kilometers away and a good hour of traffic jams, on a good day.
The meeting was preceded by a sober opening ceremony, in two parts.
Rapper Future performed in front of a giant inflatable replica of the famous trophy, preceding a parade of flags and the voice of popstar Katy Perry, on her song “Wonder”, under the eyes of some Hollywood stars like Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Lucas.
An essential character in a World Cup so far cluttered by extra-sporting matters, Donald Trump did not make the trip for the opening match of the main host country in LA, where he was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Balogun author of a double
The president may regret having missed the demonstration of Team USA, like the captain Christian Pulisic, untenable on the left before leaving at the break.
The AC Milan attacking midfielder dribbled past two defenders to enter the area and slip the ball to Weston McKennie, whose low cross was clumsily cut into his goal by Damian Bobadilla (7th).
Another lively striker, Folarin Balogun multiplied his good actions, scoring a goal canceled for offside (28th) before scoring a double.
The Monaco striker first ensured a flat right foot in the heart of the area, served by Pulisic (31st), before lighting the top corner with his left foot after two inspired dribbles (45+5).
“I’m over the moon. Three goals in the first half of an opening match of the World Cup at home is fantastic. What a great evening,” said the double scorer.
“This is exactly how we wanted to start the tournament,” added captain Tim Ream.
Paraguay, harmless until then, reduced the score by Mauricio, sent into the area by Julio Enciso (73rd).
Finally, Giovanni Reyna closed the scoring with a subtle outside foot (90+8).
Before facing Australia then Turkey, here is the United States perfectly launched in their group D, they who have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the modern era (in 2002, eliminated by Germany).
Dressed in “stars and stripes” jerseys and flags, the American supporters provided a great atmosphere for their players, accustomed to more modest encouragement.
Isaac Pizarro, a 42-year-old Floridian born in Puerto Rico, who came with his son Jacob, said he was “super enthusiastic,” and believes his team “can go all the way” in the tournament.
This sales manager paid 1,900 dollars per place (1,640 euros). “It’s expensive but that’s how it is, I’m lucky to have the means.”
