Christian Pulisic stole the show with an eye-catching strike and another assist as the United States opened their Copa America 2024 campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Bolivia on Sunday.
Gregg Berhalter’s side never looked troubled in a routine win at AT&T Stadium in Texas thanks to a solo effort from captain Pulisic in the Group C opener.
The Milan forward needed just three minutes to curl in a delightful pass before teeing up Folarin Balogun – who was dismissed by another strike after the break – in a one-sided first half shortly before the break.
Bolivia looked set to mount a comeback as the USA started their Copa campaign with a win for the first time since 1995 when they beat Chile 2-1 in Uruguay.
Antonio Carlos Zago’s side failed to heed an early warning as goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra was forced to run out and clear from Balogun.
Bolivia were caught napping just minutes later when Timothy Weah played a short corner with Pulisic getting inside before curling into the top right corner from an acute angle on the left side of the area.
Weah – son of legendary striker George – was denied from close range as the USA almost doubled their lead immediately.
Still, Berhalter’s host nation would soon add to their advantage in Arlington.
Pulisic was again given free rein in midfield, dropping into space before offloading for Balogun to drive a left-footed drive into the bottom right corner.
That smart finish in the 44th minute marked Balogun’s first ever goal of the tournament and the Monaco forward found the net for a second time after the break, only for his celebrations to be cut short.
His routine tap-in from six yards was ruled out for offside as Weah lunged forward to take advantage of Weston McKennie’s pass before moving in for his strike partner.
Viscarra equaled Pulisic’s effort on the hour mark as a step-up attempt to repeat his early heroics, while substitute Ricardo Pepi poked wide from Antonee Robinson’s accurate left-footer.
Pepi was denied by Viscarro’s fine reflexes late on as the USA cruised to an opening win ahead of their next meeting with Panama on Thursday, a day before Bolivia face Uruguay.
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