Follow live coverage with the United States leading Bolivia 2-0 thanks to goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun
Michael Dominski
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Live score — USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Quiet night for Turner
73′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Terceros gets a rare Bolivia shot off but it’s a simple save for Turner, his third of the game.
Fourth change for Bolivia
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71′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Bolivia made their fourth change a few minutes ago, bringing on Carmelo Algarañaz in place of Bruno Miranda.
Rare misstep by Pulisic
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69′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
So he is human after all. Pulisic meets a teasing back-post ball and shapes to make it three goals for the US but instead shanks his right-footed shot wide. A very rare misstep from what has otherwise been a superb captain’s performance. He, as usual, has been at the heart of everything good about his side’s attacking.
Musah started that attacking move
67′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
A big chance for the USMNT starts with Musah beating his man on the dribble and carrying a long distance through an empty midfield. His dribbling is an especially valuable skill against man-oriented defenses.
Pepi nearly scores with first touch
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66′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
A huge chance for Pepi immediately after coming on! Robinson breaks free down the left flank and fires a cross into the box, but Pepi’s attempt at redirecting the ball into the far corner puts the ball wide of the post.
Balogun and Reyna come off
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66′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
The US make two more subs, bringing on Ricardo Pepi for Folarin Balogun and Johnny Cardoso for Gio Reyna.
Each side has two subs remaining.
Pulisic forces save
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60′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Pulisic shows great strength and balance to ride a heavy challenge before unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that forces a strong save from the Bolivian keeper.
Defensive streak ends
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59′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Just as we posted about the US keeping Bolivia from having any touches in their box, the streak comes to an end. Bolivia finally get into the penalty area on the left side, but nothing comes from it.
A very brief Bolivia attack
58′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
A Bolivian player briefly broke into the USMNT’s box for the first time all game, but dribbled out again before passing. That should keep the statistical record – no Bolivia touches in the US box – a perfect blank for now.
Test run for facing Uruguay
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55′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
One thing we can learn from this game is how the USMNT plays against a man-oriented defense not unlike Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, who will be their most important group stage opponent.
The answer so far has been less intricate midfield rotations and more long balls and switches. It’s not pretty but it works — at least against a weaker opponent.
Lifelong US fan
Pablo Maurer
55′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Just putting this photo of young Oliver out into the world. Lots of face paint in the US end. His dad tells me he’s seven years old and he’s seemingly loved the USMNT for the entirety of his brief existence.
US goal disallowed
53′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Weah’s cross succeeds in finding Balogun this time and the forward fires home from point-blank range, but the flag goes up for offside.
Balogun gestures for VAR to have a look, which they do, but replays show that Weah was indeed offside when he made his run.
You can only beat what’s in front of you
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51′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
This has been a classic US performance against a bad team. Not much can be gained analytically when one plays the 84th-ranked team in the world.
However, a comfortable win tonight will be a much needed confidence boost for Gregg Berhalter’s players.
Balogun comes close
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50′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Weah fizzes a cross-shot across the face of Bolivia’s goal, just barely eluding the slide of Balogun at the far post.
US on the attack
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48′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Two early chances for the US as we get the second half underway. Robinson skins a defender down the left wing and floats a dangerous cross in, but one of the Sagredo brothers makes a crucial headed clearance.
A minute later, Pulisic looks to dial up another shot from the top of the box but this one is blocked.
Terceros is one to watch
46′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
Meanwhile, Bolivia changes its entire forward line as it looks to claw back in its Group C opener. One worth watching is Miguel Terceros (Miguelito, if you’re friends), a 20-year-old who plays for Santos in Brazil. He’s very untested at the senior club level, but has already logged 8 caps in short order for his country.
Second half is underway!
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46′ USMNT 2-0 Bolivia
The US get the ball rolling and we’re back in action in Texas! Musah has replaced Adams as John mentioned, while Bolivia have made a few subs as well:
- Rodrigo Ramallo for Leonel Justiniano
- Miguel Terceros for César Menacho
- Héctor Cuellar for Diego Medina