Group D's opening match saw USA defeat Paraguay 4-1, in a vital contest that revealed both nations' trajectories for the rest of the tournament.  

The Stars and Stripes got off to a flying start in the first half, thanks to an own goal from Paraguayan midfielder Damian Bobadilla. Fan-favourite Christian Pulisic made a strong drive into the box and cut the ball back to Weston McKennie, whose pass deflected into the back of the net, giving USA the lead in just eight minutes.

USMNT showed their quality throughout the first period, putting constant pressure on La Albirroja's backline and frustrating their opponents into giving away cheap fouls in dangerous areas.

Folarin Balogun had numerous chances during the half, having one effort ruled out for offside and another denied by Orlando Gill in between the sticks for Paraguay.

However, the 24-year-old got his goal on the 30th minute mark, after a devastating break down Paraguay's right-hand side, which saw Pulisic slide in his team-mate, who calmly finished into the bottom right corner to put his nation two-nil up.

It went from bad to worse for the South American side, as Balogun picked up his brace late in the first half after being played in behind by McKennie and unleashing a ferocious finish into the top left corner.

Paraguay ended the 45 seemingly shell-shocked by their opponent's pace on the wings, and clinical finishing. Whilst the host nation went into the break full of confidence after displaying the most dominant half of football in the tournament so far.

The second half didn't get off to as quick as a start to the first, but followed the same patterns of play, with USA dominating the game and exploiting the wings, whilst Paraguay sat back and cleared long, gifting possession back to their opponents.

Pulisic was subbed off at half time, which USMNT fans will be hoping is a tactical decision by Mauricio Pochettino to rest their star man, rather than an unseen injury sustained throughout the first period.

Paraguay pulled a goal back back in the 73rd minute out of seemingly nowhere, with the USA backline switching off and leaving Julio Enciso in space. The Strasbourg youngster fed in half-time sub Mauricio who calmly slotted the ball past Matt Freese to give his nation a glimmer of hope.

However, it wasn't enough for the South American side, who couldn't handle the technical quality of the USA.

Giovanni Reyna capped off a fantastic performance, with an outside-the-boot finish that meant his nation got their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start, picking up all three points in Los Angeles after a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay.

Folarin Balogun ensured his World Cup debut was a memorable one, after bagging a brace in style with two clinical finishes for his nation. The Monaco striker looked powerful, managing to bully Premier League defender Omar Alderete throughout the match. 

He is the type of player that the USA have been crying out for in recent tournaments, a physical presence up top who knows how to find the back-of-the-net, and if the Stars and Stripes go on to make a deep-run into the competition, Balogun could see himself in the running for the golden boot.

In the middle of the park, Weston McKennie and Malick Tilman dominated the game, dictating the tempo and getting into advanced positions which could have led to more goals for their side.

Christian Pulisic also looked looked dangerous before his half-time substitution. The AC Milan winger played a key role in his nation's opening two goals and caused havoc amongst the Paraguayan defence.

The US backline will be disappointed to have conceded such a sloppy goal, and was the area of the pitch where the host nation looked the most nervy throughout, despite being hardly tested by their opposition.

La Albirroja's return to the World Cup was nothing short of a disappointment, as the South American side seemingly crumbled to the pressure of finally playing in another World Cup. 

Paraguay are a side that are usually well organised defensively, and extremely hard for an opponent to break down. However, today's game displayed the fragile nature of their squad, especially after conceding a goal early on. 

USA ran riot down the Paraguayan flanks, which where stretched throughout the tie, and led many of the States best chances. If Gustavo Alfaro's side wants to have a fighting chance in their remaining games, they will have to ensure their defensive line is stronger against both Australia and Turkiye.

Although the South American's had an improved second half, they never really seemed to take the game to the hosts even after pulling a goal back in the 73rd minute.

It will be an opening match to forget for Paraguay, who need to aim to get players like Enciso and Almiron on the ball more often, and sure up their back line, especially down the flanks.

It may only be the first game played in Group D, but it is a result which has seen the USA send a message to Australia and Türkiye that they are entering their home World Cup with a confidence not seen before in previous tournaments.

Spearheaded by Balogun's goals, the USA have marked themselves as having a striker that could cause problems for most defences at the World Cup, and if he continues to perform, may be a standout player at the tournament.

On the other side of the fixture, Paraguay will be glad not to have lost the second half. Still, gaffer Gustavo Alfaro may be worried about their next group game, and  Türkiye's attacking threat, as it seems the South American side will be in a battle with Australia for third place, if the Crescent Stars can pick-up an expected win against the Socceroos tomorrow.

Group D promises plenty more twists and turns in the remaining games, but it seems that USMNT will certainly be front runners for top spot.