USA's 2-1 win over Paraguay was a performance that blended tactical discipline with individual brilliance. Gregg Berhalter's 4-3-3 was designed to press high and exploit the flanks — Dest and Robinson provided relentless width, while Reyna's half-space positioning created consistent overloads. Tyler Adams was the engine in midfield, completing 91% of his passes and winning 6 duels, providing the defensive cover that allowed McKennie and Reyna to roam. Pulisic's penalty was clinical, but his all-round performance — 4 key passes, 3 dribbles completed — underlined why he remains the fulcrum of this team. Paraguay's 5-3-2 was well-organized and disciplined, and their set-piece equalizer exposed a recurring vulnerability for the USA at corners. Almirón's energy and Enciso's creativity gave the USA backline genuine problems in the second half. The decisive factor was Reyna's vision for Weah's winner — a moment of top-level European quality that separated the sides. The USA's high press (11 turnovers forced in the final third in the first half alone) was their most potent weapon, and if they can sustain that intensity, they will be a genuine threat in the knockout rounds. Paraguay, despite the defeat, showed they are compact and dangerous — their remaining group games will be fiercely contested.

• Pulisic converted from the spot after Júnior Alonso's clumsy foul — his 4th goal in 4 World Cup appearances.
• Paraguay equalised with a vintage South American set-piece: Almirón's whipped corner, Sanabria's glancing header.
• Reyna's 78' through-ball split Paraguay's high line and Weah finished calmly — his first World Cup goal.
• USA dominated the first half with 63% possession and 8 shots; Paraguay's block-heavy 5-3-2 frustrated the hosts until the hour mark.
• Gatito Fernández made a crucial fingertip save from McKennie's 67' header to keep Paraguay in the match.
• USA's high press forced 11 Paraguayan turnovers in the final third — the most in a single half at this tournament.