rewrite this title USA vs Paraguay LIVE: Pulisic and Balogun inspire rampant World Cup co-hosts

37 mins: CLOSE! Paraguay struggle to clear another delivery, tapping it out for Tillman whose effort is blocked for a corner.

The corner is then met by Richards, whose header goes agonisingly wide! The keeper may have had it covered but he was scrambling.

35 mins: Paraguay are clinging on for dear life now.

It’s not just Pulisic – every US attacker smells blood and wants to drive at the Paraguay defenders, who are having a really difficult time.

Another cross comes in from the left aiming for Balogun, who makes contact but can only flick it on. The Americans are having a field day.

32 mins: A reminder that Balogun did play for the England U21s before switching allegiances.

Now with a World Cup goal to his name, I doubt he has any regrets over his decision.

He didn’t need a second invitation!

Folarin Balogun plants home after another great run forward by Christian Pulisic, who pulls it back for the Monaco striker to finish.

28 mins: Folarin Balogun tucks neatly in for what looks like USA’s second right from the restart – but after an age, the linesman puts his flag up!

Replays show Christian Pulisic was about two yards off in the build-up, and Balogun may have strayed himself.

27 mins: We’re off again.

24 mins: Pulisic looks to inspire again but blazes a cross too high and it flies out of play.

Time for a hydration break.

The US are very good value for their lead.

23 mins: It looks like Paraguay are just about finding some composure in this game after a frantic start.

Still the US dominate possession.

18 mins: The US get another chance from a set piece as Richards heads of the bar, but a clash of skulls with Alderete leaves both on the deck.

17 mins: CHANCE! A better touch and that should be 2-0!

The USA get the overload as Balogun draws in the defender and slips Dest into the box.

He has acres of space but his touch forces him too close to the goalkeeper, with his cutback to the former Arsenal youth star intercepted.

The Americans are carving Paraguay’s defence apart at the moment – this could get ugly if it stays this dominant.