Mauricio Pochettino hails 'team spirit' after USA's flying World Cup start

The USA produced one of their most convincing World Cup performances, scoring four goals in a match for the first time in the tournament's history. Forward Folarin Balogun led the way with two goals, becoming the first American player to score twice in a World Cup match since the 1930 edition.

While Balogun, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie all delivered standout displays, Pochettino insisted the result was built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.

"It was the collective approach," said the USA coach after the match.

Pochettino also highlighted the role of the supporters, believing their energy helped drive the team forward throughout the game.

"Amazing, they were amazing," he said of the fans. "We can do amazing things if the fans are in this way."

The victory underlined the attacking threat within the American squad, but there was one concern for Pochettino. Captain Pulisic was substituted at half-time after suffering a calf knock, raising questions over his fitness ahead of the team's next match.

Despite the emphatic win, Pochettino stressed that the squad remained grounded, with the tournament only just beginning.

The Argentine coach believes the extended preparation period before the World Cup has played a major role in the team's strong start. Unlike most international windows, where managers have only a few days with their players, Pochettino and his staff were able to spend several weeks working closely with the squad on the training ground.

That extra time, he said, allowed the coaching staff to develop the team more effectively rather than simply selecting players and preparing for a single match.

The USA will now turn their attention to the rest of Group D, where matches against Turkey and Australia await as they look to build on a dream start to their World Cup campaign.

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