Christian Pulisic’s breathtaking opener helped USA kick off Copa America 2024 with a much-needed win amid growing concerns about how they’ll fare on home soil this summer. The AC Milan forward also provided Folarin Balogun with the assist to help AS Monaco get back among the goals after a concerning barren run.
Gregg Berhalter will be delighted with the win and performance; his team could have scored more. They were expected to win and they got the job done in the best way possible at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
United States National Football Team Player Ratings vs Bolivia
Goalkeeper
Matt Turner – 6.5
The Nottingham Forest shot-stopper was rarely troubled by a tame Bolivian attack. He did well when called upon but will expect much more busier outings as the tournament progresses.
Defenders:
Joe Scally – 6.5
The Borussia Monchengladbach right-back was a bright spark but didn’t overly catch the eye in Texas compared to his fellow wide-men. He was defensively sound but Serg Dest is the obvious first-choice when he’s not out with a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Chris Richards – 7
A calm presence at the back ensured Bolivia was never truly a threat going forward by constantly putting out fires. The Crystal Palace was the more dependable of the two center-backs tonight.
Tim Ream – 6
The Fulham man sometimes looked uncomfortable and indecisive when Bolivia showed any form of attacking intent. He’ll need to improve with games against Panama and Uruguay on the horizon.
Antonee Robinson – 8
The Fulham full-back was excellent, and he constantly gave Bolivia a torrid time on the left with his pace. He won five of eight ground duels, made five key passes, and created three big chances. A stellar showing.
Midfielders:
Weston McKennie – 7
It was a fine outing for the Juventus star, who constantly looked to break forward when the USA controlled proceedings. He picked up a silly booking when trying to help out Richards, and that could be risky, but he’ll be a crucial member of Gregg Berhalter’s side at Copa America.
Tyler Adams – 6.5
The Bournemouth midfielder is still getting back to his best for the USA after a lengthy injury spell, and getting 45 minutes under his belt will be helpful. He didn’t reach the dazzling levels that saw him majorly impress at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Calm in possession but not at his top level just yet.
Giovanni Reyna – 7.5
The Borussia Dortmund man struggled on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, but he was a constant bright spark for USA tonight. He drew three fouls which all resulted in yellow cards, telling of Bolivia’s concerns regarding his threat. He was played in a deeper role than usual but performed extremely well.
Forwards:
Timothy Weah -7.5
The Juventus winger is going to be a massive problem for the opposition at Copa America, as his pace is frightening at times. That was on display tonight as he was direct and always looking to make things happen. The Bolivians couldn’t cope with him.
Folarin Balogun – 8
The Monaco frontman will be delighted to get himself on the scoresheet after a frustrating spell as of late. He took his goal well and was a constant presence up top for the host nation. He could be one to watch for the Stars and Stripes, especially if they come up against high-block opposition.
Christian Pulisic – 9 (Man of the Match)
A phenomenal outing from the USA’s captain and one that speaks of a superstar wanting to do his country proud in his homeland. He’s scored the best goal of Copa America thus far but that wasn’t the only impressive part of his performance. He also set up Balogun, made three key passes and won five of nine ground duels. The Star of the Show in Texas.
Substitutes:
Johnny Cardoso – 6
Ricardo Pepi – 5.5
Luca de la Torre – 5.5
Yunus Musah – 7.5
Manager: Gregg Berhalter – 7.5
The USA’s manager responded to pre-Copa America criticism in the best way possible by overseeing a slick performance in Texas albeit against a timid Bolivia side. His real test will come against Uruguay in Group C‘s final game.
Bolivia National Football Team Player Ratings vs USA
Goalkeeper
Guillermo Viscarra – 6.5
Bolivia were fortunate to have Viscarra in goal because the result could have been much worse without him. He made six saves and was the difference between a 2-0 loss and 5-0 embarrassment.
Defenders:
Jose Sagredo – 5.5
He tried to deal with the Stars and Stripes’ energy but the difference in talent was telling. He made four clearances but couldn’t show steel at the back.
Jesus Sagredo – 5
A languid outing from Jose Sagredo, who lacked composure at the back and rarely won ground, duels against a lively American attack.
Luis Haquin – 6.5
The best performer of Bolivia’s three at the back but struggled to contain the hungry Christian Pulisic. He made four clearances and six interceptions.
Midfielders:
Diego Medina – 6
He was fairly lively for the 45 minutes spent on the pitch but couldn’t get himself involved as much he would have liked. Lacked any sort of threat going forward.
Fernando Saucedo – 5
A poor outing for Saucedo who looked lethargic and lost in midfield for the Bolivians.
Leonel Justiniano – 5.5
He was constantly beaten to the ball in the middle of the park and looked devoid of ideas. It was a struggle for the holding midfielder in Texas.
Gabriel Villamil – 5.5
Villamil was wasteful in possession but was often tasked with helping out defensively rather than going forward.
Roberto Fernandez – 6.5
Fernandez was the liveliest of Bolivia’s midfielders and tried making things click for Antonio Carlos Zega’s side. He made one key pass and won six of eight ground duels.
Forwards:
Cesar Menacho – 5.5
Menacho was rarely involved as the USA controlled proceedings in Texas, and he didn’t even manage a shot before being withdrawn at halftime. Forgetful.
Bruno Miranda – 5
Miranda was even poorer than his attacking partner and also didn’t conjure up any goal attempt. The Stars and Stripes’ dominance meant the front two were silenced.
Substitutes
Hector Cuellar – 6
Miguel Terceros – 5.5
Rodrigo Ramallo – 5
Carmelo Algaranaz – 6
Ramiro Vaca – 5.5
Manager: Antonio Carlos Zago -5.5
There wasn’t much Zago could do to contain the USA given the glaring difference between the two nations’ squads. He was wise to change his frontline amid a dire outing from Miranda and Menacho.
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