U.S. starts in style with largest WC win since 193...
Key takeaways
- It was, from a results standpoint, all the U.S. could have wanted.
- The three-goal margin of victory was the United States' largest at a World Cup since a pair of 3-0 wins in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
- But now the curious: Christian Pulisic, the star midfielder, was substituted at halftime after delivering a world-class performance.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
First, the unquestionably good: With a relentless attack, ruthless finishing and an opening half to rival the best 45 minutes in U.S. men's national team history, the Americans ripped through Paraguay, 4-1, to start this home tournament off in the sweetest of styles. It was, from a results standpoint, all the U.S. could have wanted.
The three-goal margin of victory was the United States' largest at a World Cup since a pair of 3-0 wins in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
But now the curious: Christian Pulisic, the star midfielder, was substituted at halftime after delivering a world-class performance. He told reporters afterward that he was taken off as a precaution after getting a kick to his left calf, adding that he's "really hoping that it's nothing."