The USA started their Copa America 2024 campaign with a confident 2-0 win against Bolivia tonight (June 23) at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Christian Pulisic (3′) scored perhaps the early favorite for goal of the tournament before setting up Folarin Balogun (44′) as Gregg Berhalter’s men shook off pre-campaign criticism.
USA vs Bolivia Highlights – COPA AMERICA GROUP C
3′ – GOAL: The USA takes no time whatsoever in kicking their Copa America campaign off with an early goal, and it’s an exquisite finish from captain Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan forward finds the top right corner outside the area, giving Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
27′ – YELLOW: Bolivia’s Leonel Justiniano has his name taken after fouling Giovanni Reyna, which infuriates the USA team, who make their feelings known towards the midfielder.
28′ – YELLOW: A second yellow card is handed out to Gabriel Villamil a minute later after another foul on Reyna, who is giving the Bolivians a torrid time.
31′ – YELLOW: Luis Haquin is next in the book, and Reyna is brought down once again. The Borussia Dortmund attacker is wreaking havoc, and Bolivia can only prevent him from doing so through fouling him.
44′ – GOAL: Folarin Balogun is on target for the USA with a tidy finish after being found by Christian Pulisic. He finds the bottom right corner with a drilled attempt to notch his fourth goal since switching nationality from England.
54′ – NO GOAL: Balogun thinks he’s bagged a brace until the offside flag is raised because Timothy Weah is in an offside position before playing the AS Monaco frontman through on goal. He did well to put it away, but it was in vain.
49′ – YELLOW – Weston McKennie becomes the first USA player to have his name taken for a silly foul caused by Chris Richards giving possession away.
60′ – SAVE: Christian Pulisic goes close to grabbing his second of the evening, but Bolivia goalkeeper Viscarra does well in turning his attempt away.
65′ – MISS: USA attacker Ricardo Pepi is next to go close as the Americans continue to pile the pressure. His effort sails wide of the post after being found by Antonee Robinson.
72′ – SAVE: Bolivia shows signs of life when Miguel Terceros tries his luck at goal from the edge of the box, but his effort is denied by Matt Turner.
85′ – MISS: Ramiro Vaca nearly gives Bolivia a route back into the game with a neat attempt from outside the box, but the ball flies just wide of the top right corner.
89′ – MISS: Ricardo Pepi somehow doesn’t bag his nation’s third when he strikes straight at Viscarra from four yards out and then fluffs his lines on the rebound.
91′ – YELLOW: Bolivia’s Jesus Sagredo has his name taken after trying to prevent the USA from breaking forward and finding a third.
Player of the Match: Christian Pulisic (USA)
A sensational outing from the Stars and Stripes’ megastar, who dazzled in front of fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The former Chelsea attacker scored a stunner, grabbed an assist, completed three dribbles, and created three chances. He also had a pass accuracy of 100%. A phenomenal outing and one that will enthuse Americans.
Key Moment
Christian Pulisic’s opener was an audacious effort and set the scene for USA’s dominant performance at the start of their Copa America campaign.
Key Stats
Christian Pulisic became the USA’s joint-fifth all-time top scorer with his excellent strike tonight. His 30 goals on international duty are two shy of fourth-placed Eric Wynalda (32).
USA’s win was their third against Bolivia and they are now on a three-game winning streak against La Verde that stretches back to 2016.
Bolivia haven’t scored against the Stars and Stripes in their four meetings and their last win came in 1996.
Conclusion
USA headed into tonight’s game under intense scrutiny amid a poor run of results in preparation for Copa America 2024 on home soil. Gregg Berhalter’s side was expected to beat Bolivia, but they impressed, controlling proceedings throughout and several of their stars, such as Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna, shining. It bodes well for the Stars and Stripes with a clash with Panama next on Thursday (June 27).
Also Read: USA vs Bolivia Player Ratings: Christian Pulisic Scores 9/10 as USMNT Wins Copa America Opener