Pochettino's Calm Before the Storm Paid Off for USA

Before a ball was kicked, Mauricio Pochettino was preaching calm. According to The Guardian, the United States coach told reporters he had no plans for a rousing pre-match speech, and instead quoted advice from a friend who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, saying that relaxation is the path to concentration and focus.

That philosophy looked vindicated when the hosts ran out 4-1 winners over Paraguay, with ex-Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun scoring twice in a statement performance in Los Angeles, as reported by Sky Sports. Giovanni Reyna added a late goal to put the result beyond all doubt.

With the home crowd roaring them on and a coach whose confidence never wavered, the United States have announced themselves as genuine contenders in this expanded 48-team tournament. The result sends a message to every other side in the draw.