Christian Pulisic is a doubt for USA's second World Cup game after being forced off at half-time during their 4-1 win over Paraguay. The tournament co-hosts got their campaign off to the perfect start with a comprehensive victory at the SoFi stadium.
Match Recap
Mauricio Pochettino's side were ahead after only seven minutes when Damian Bobadilla guided the ball into his own net. Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun then scored a quickfire brace before half-time to put USA in total control at the break.
While Andres Cubas pulled one back for Paraguay in the 73rd minute, Gio Reyna ended the night in style for the hosts with a superb finish in added time.
Pulisic Injury Concern
Perhaps the only negative of the evening was the withdrawal of Pulisic at half-time after the AC Milan winger sustained an issue with his left calf. Pulisic was bright in the first half, providing the assist for Balogun's first goal, and sought to ease concerns over the extent of his injury when speaking after the game.
'I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing,' he told reporters. 'I'm taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.'
'Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I've had similar things before, and I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything at all.'
Pochettino's Update
Asked about Pulisic's withdrawal post-match, Pochettino added: 'He received a kick before today (too) in a training session, we hope it's not a big issue. When he finished the first half, he could not walk. I hope that it's not a bigger issue. That was so rushed, because it was at the last minute that we needed to change and make the substitution. But now I think it is better, and I hope for the next game [he] will be available.'
Upcoming Fixtures
USA's second group game is against Australia on June 19 in Seattle before they round off Group D with a game against Turkey in Los Angeles on June 25.
