Ninety-six years after dismantling Paraguay at the inaugural World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino and the USA have matched a record once again.
Following a single season at Chelsea, where he secured European football but parted ways over structural disagreements, Mauricio Pochettino took a leap out of his comfort zone, taking over as head coach of the United States Men’s National Team in late 2024.
Charged with leading the co-hosts into a massive home World Cup, he couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. The USA’s emphatic 4-1 dismantling of Paraguay in their tournament opener brilliantly showcased Pochettino’s signature high-pressing, front-foot philosophy.
And that wasn’t all, as former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic played a key part in the victory.
PREDICTION: Which Chelsea player do you think will have the BEST World Cup?👀
Mamadou Sarr is being slept on…
USA break 96-year record in win over Paraguay
The USA secured their first 3+ goal World Cup win since 1930, coincidentally, also against Paraguay.
As well as this, they scored four goals for the first time ever at the World Cup.
And Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed the win so much that he even called out the rest of the American sports, though we feel he may be getting carried away.
“The crowd was amazing. That is what we’ve been waiting for. When you talk about America, that passion, that feeling, today, they were amazing and now they realise that soccer in America is MASSIVE. It’s big. Beware the other sports.”
Realistically, how much is Liam Delap worth?🤔
Christian Pulisic’s standout performance for the USA
The American media gave their plaudits to both Pochettino and Pulisic, but the latter’s performance deserves a special shoutout.
FotMob gave Pulisic a rating of 7.9 out of 10, grabbing one assist, four touches in the opposition’s box, completing four out of six dribbles, 37 touches, 18 out of 22 passes, two chances created, two tackles and seven out of his 10 duels won for the USA.
However, there was a slight injury issue, which Pochettino is hoping is nothing serious ahead of the next clash with Australia.
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