Like it or not, the summer of 2024 is going to be one of judgment for the USMNT, and it was nothing but race reviews on Sunday as the Yanks completely outclassed Bolivia in a 2-0 victory to open their 2024 Copa America campaign with three points.
[ MORE: Christian Pulisic perfect to lead USMNT into tournament of expectations ]
It was always going to be this summer, halfway to the 2026 World Cup on home soil, when the not-so-young(-anymore ) USMNT’s progress would be judged. Of course, Sunday’s result should be taken with a grain (or two) of salt, as Bolivia were 84th in the latest batch of FIFA rankings, 26 spots worse than Paraguay, the second-lowest ranked side in South America. Things will undoubtedly get tougher from here, but Gregg Berhalter couldn’t have asked for much more from the first game.
The USMNT got out of the starting blocks and immediately went on the offensive on Sunday, leaving Bolivia scrambling and on their heels from the opening whistle. Christian Pulisic made it 1-0 in just the 3rd minute (WATCH HERE), but the Yanks very nearly went ahead before then. Goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra was busy early, clearing two dangerous situations inside his six-yard box in the 1st and 2nd minutes, before Pulisic gave him very little chance to do anything in the 3rd.
USMNT scored early, then continued to attack
Even more encouraging than the early goal was the fact the USMN didn’t retreat and go back into their shell after taking the lead. Instead, they continued to dominate possession (60-40 in the first half) and allowed just two shots (both from more than 30 yards) before the break. Also just before halftime, Folarin Balogun scored a sniper’s goal to make it 2-0. Pulisic played Balogun in on a counter-attack from right to left, with no one tightly marking Balogun at the back post. When the ball came to him, Balogun took his time with a touch, drove at the defender and ripped a low, left-footed strike to the far post.
[ WATCH: Christian Pulisic goal puts USMNT ahead 3 minutes into Copa America opener ]
Seven minutes into the second half, they thought they had another goal, if not for the offside flag. Weston McKennie weaved his way through three Bolivian defenders and slid the ball to Weah in the right channel, and Weah instantly crossed for Balogun to slide in and touch it home from close range. Alas, Weah was leaning offside when McKennie played his pass in behind.
Just offiside 😬🤏
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
This would have been a beautiful goal by the USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6NYIF0Zoyn
USMNT star Christian Pulisic: “The games are just going to get tougher and tougher.”
"We should build some confidence from this and feel good, but the games are just gonna get tougher and tougher." @JennyTaft catches up with @USMNT's Christian Pulisic after his massive game vs Bolivia ⬇️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sokErFmpf0
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2024
[ MORE: 2024 Copa America predictions | Copa America schedule ]
USMNT vs Bolivia stats
The final stats paint an even prettier picture of the red, white and blue.
Possession: 61-39
Shots: 20-6
Shots on target 8-3
xG: 2.40-0.18
USMNT vs Bolivia player ratings
USMNT vs Bolivia highlights, final score: 2-0
Goalscorers: Christian Pulisic (3'), Folarin Balogun (44')
GOAL - USMNT 2-0 Bolivia - Folarin Balogun slots home on a counter-attack to double the lead (44')
FLORIAN. BALOGUN. 🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
Balogun doubles the @USMNT's lead in the first half ✌️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vHaSs80YSX
GOAL: USMNT 1-0 Bolivia - Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah execute a short corner to perfection (3')
PULISIC WHAT A GOAL 😱🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
WHAT A START FOR THE @USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/PaXw3NleF3
USMNT starting lineup
Turner — Scally, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson — Adams, McKennie, Reyna — Pulisic, Weah, Balogun
Bolivia starting lineup
Viscarra — Medina, Jo. Sagredo, Haquin, Je. Sagredo, Fernandez — Justiniano, Saucedo, Villamil — Menacho, Miranda
How to watch USMNT vs Bolivia, stream link and start time
Kick off: 6pm ET, Sunday (June 23)
Stadium: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
How to watch on TV in USA: FS1, Fox Sports
USMNT team news, focus
Christian Pulisic is coming off a career year with AC Milan and vibes are high following the Yanks’ 1-1 draw with Brazil (We’ll ignore, for now, the eye-scratching blowout loss to Colombia). The USMNT have never had a team with this many players in or nearing their prime while at big-time clubs around the globe. There are questions at the back and goalkeeper Matt Turner is good but not quite in the legendary lineage of the position in this country.
Bolivia team news, focus
Well-traveled former Brazil international Antonio Carlos Zago has two wins and five losses in charge of La Verde, who held Mexico to a one-goal in a loss before conceding three to Ecuador and Colombia. Six of their 26 players play domestically, with captain Luis Haquin one of the outliers. Rodrigo Ramallo leads the attack with seven goals in 40 caps.
USMNT vs Bolivia prediction
Bolivia will be up for this but the Yanks better be, too. Expect a nice day for USMNT fans in Texas. USMNT 4-1 Bolivia.