The U.S. men's national team opened the World Cup with a 4-1 rout of Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday, per Axios. Playing before a boisterous home crowd, the Americans displayed the crisp, creative soccer that defines traditional powerhouses. Folarin Balogun scored twice, Gio Reyna once, and an own goal sealed the win—the most goals the U.S. has scored in a World Cup match. Center-back Chris Richards completed all 83 of his passes with perfect accuracy, a record since 1966. The victory came with a minor blemish: Christian Pulisic was subbed at halftime as a precaution after taking a kick to the left calf. Paraguay resorted to rough tactics, collecting five yellow cards. The U.S. faces Australia next Friday in Seattle.

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