New Delhi, June 13 -- The United States could not have asked for a louder way to open their home World Cup. Roared on by a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium on Friday night, the hosts pulled Paraguay apart in a three goal first half and ran out 4-1 winners, the most goals the American men have ever scored in a World Cup match.

Folarin Balogun was at the centre of it. The striker scored twice before the interval, the first a composed right footed finish in the 31st minute after Christian Pulisic threaded him through, the second deep into first half stoppage time when he turned and drilled low into the corner. No United States player had scored twice in a single World Cup game since the very first tournament in 1930.

The night had opened even ...