World Cup hosts make early mark as USA beat Paraguay and Canada draw Bosnia

The United States delivered one of the early statements of the World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, while co-host Canada earned a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto for what was described as its first point at the FIFA showpiece.

Canada fell behind in the 21st minute through Lukic before Kyle Laren equalised in the 78th minute. Football coach Germaine Thomas said Canada created enough chances to settle the match earlier, using width and speed to trouble Bosnia, but lacked the finishing touch. Former Reggae Boy Tyrone Marshall said he expected more aggression from Jesse Marsch’s side, though he felt the draw was a positive start for a host nation.

The panel was far more impressed by the United States, which overpowered Paraguay 4-1. Marshall said the Americans produced one of their best 60-minute spells of football, with strong pressing, quick recovery of possession and attacking runs from deeper midfield areas. Thomas said the USA’s front players pressed high and forced Paraguay into uncomfortable positions, while wide threats such as Pulisic and Dest helped stretch the game. Balogun’s double was noted as putting him early in the Golden Boot race.

Mexico, the third host nation, had already opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa. The panel also noted that the World Cup mood in the United States was still competing with the NBA and NHL finals, though Marshall said the football itself should lift wider interest as the tournament progresses.

Former FIFA referee Victor Stewart discussed a VAR incident in the USA-Paraguay match after Tim Ream’s yellow card was rescinded and Miguel Almiron was booked for simulation. Stewart said the matter was better understood as a corrected decision rather than a classic case of mistaken identity.

The programme also discussed Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey being denied entry into Canada while remaining with the team in Boston, and previewed Brazil’s meeting with Morocco. Marshall warned that Morocco remain dangerous after their last World Cup run, while Thomas backed Brazil to exploit space through their attacking players.