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The United States began its World Cup at home with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, delivering an electric performance while feeding an equally electric crowd.
The United States outplayed a Paraguayan team that had difficulty even crossing the halfway line in the first half, as the Americans dominated possession between 71% and 29% at halftime.
FOX Sports analysts Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry said this is the type of performance the United States can build on and use as the foundation for a deep run in this World Cup.
Ibrahimović added that the American people should have faith in their team after this performance.
“I mean, before the game we were talking about believing. My message to the American people is: if you didn’t believe before the game, the performance in the first half should make you start believing,” Ibrahimović said during the post-match show. “Because if they can carry this performance into the next games, this American team can do something big. Are you surprised?”
The United States scored four goals in a men’s World Cup match for the first time. (Kelvin Kuo/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Henry believes one of the most important components of a potential World Cup appearance for the United States is faith. He has held that view since the World Cup draw and feels that confidence is especially important in high-stakes games like this, compared to some of the games the team played before the tournament.
“Play my video of what I said at the giveaway. Check it out,” Henry said. “You have to believe, and I’m not an American. I said I think this team can unite the crowd.
“They just need to do it today. Not in friendly matches, not when people were panicking, not even against Panama here. I know it was a Nations League, a lot of people were talking. They need to be ready today.”
The United States will look to build on the momentum from tonight’s result when they take on Australia next Friday, June 19 at Seattle Stadium, where a raucous atmosphere is expected.
“I believe in what I see and today I saw a great team – a team performance,” Henry said. “Personally, I think they can go for a run. Let’s see if they will. That doesn’t mean you’re going to go for a run. But now, I’m sure a lot of people will think they can go for a run.”
