ARLINGTON, Texas — In its first of two pre-tests at the 2024 Copa América, the U.S. men’s national team wasted no time.
It knew that with every passing minute, fans would grow restless; it knew that with every toothless possession, Bolivian confidence would grow. So, in the third minute of the ’s Copa América opener here at AT&T Stadium, Christian Pulisic, Captain America, took control. He curled a beauty into the top corner, and set an emphatic tone.
PULISIC WHAT A GOAL 😱🔥 WHAT A START FOR THE 🇺🇸 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) He preempted and blasted away any and all American concern. Pulisic’s early goal kickstarted the USMNT to a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday — and to what it hopes will be a prosperous tournament. In many ways, the USMNT to beat Bolivia, and simply did what it was told.
The performance was more satisfactory than scintillating, more businesslike than thrilling or convincing. At times, it was boring, even dull. But it was sufficient.
After first-half momentum seemed to have fizzled, doubled the lead, and put Bolivia to bed. BALLLLLOGUN!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 The striker places it perfectly 👏✨ — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) After halftime, "U-S-A" chants began to chorus around JerryWorld, the 80,000-seat home of the Dallas Cowboys. The wave rolled counter-clockwise, enlivening an atmosphere that many feared would be stale.
The 400 level was indeed mostly empty, but 47,873 fans filled the colossal building. And they nearly erupted when.