SEATTLE—The U.S. soccer team's opening game of the World Cup was a riot of goals, with the Americans cutting off passing moves before they began and owning the middle of the field. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro recognized the shape that has long instilled fear into American adversaries across the globe: the 'pentagon.'
The U.S. soccer pentagon, a tactical formation that has been a hallmark of coach Mauricio Pochettino's strategy, was on full display as the team scored four goals against Paraguay, the most ever scored by the Americans in the history of the tournament.
The top of the pentagon was Folarin Balogun, the striker who wound up scoring two of the U.S. goals. Behind him, he had Weston McKennie on the right and Christian Pulisic, the team's primary playmaker, on the left. Then further back, Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams formed the base in midfield.
Together, they controlled the action and allowed the Americans to press the ball, regain possession and attack again.
Complex tactics have never exactly been a hallmark of American soccer, but Pochettino's intensive training sessions have helped to mold his troops into a more dynamic playing style.
The victory over Paraguay represented a marked change in style, and a breath of fresh air. Four years ago in Qatar, the U.S had only three goals across four games. The only times they exceeded five goals in a single World Cup campaign was at the inaugural tournament in 1930 and its run to the quarterfinals in 2002.
