US coach Mauricio Pochettino did not point out any single player after the co-hosts’ great World Cup opening win. He said the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday was a team effort.
The US team took apart Paraguay in a thrilling match in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, Gio Reyna added a late beauty, and there was also an early own goal.
“It’s not only to talk about some names, it’s about the collective,” Pochettino said.
“It’s not only Balo or different players that performed. I think the team was amazing. Not only the starting 11 but all the players around and on the bench.”
A journalist at the press conference asked about US star Christian Pulisic’s performance. Pochettino maintained his stance.
“You push me to talk about names, and it’s about the team, it’s a collective performance. Of course, he was amazing,” the coach stated.
He then mentioned almost every player in the US lineup, calling each one “amazing.”
Pochettino also praised the 70,000 fans in Los Angeles. Some reports suggested that the US public is not as engaged in the tournament as other World Cup hosts, especially with the NBA Finals happening at the same time. But the stadium was lively during the match.
“On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans, because the energy that they relate to the team was amazing, and we can do amazing things if the fans are this way,” Pochettino said.
The US is in a good spot to advance from Group D, which also includes Australia, their next opponents, and Turkey.
“We are so happy, but this is only the start,” Pochettino said.
“It’s still two games to play. We need to enjoy this start to the tournament, but know that we need to keep going and try to improve and do better in the next game, because all the games are very competitive.”
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