McBride urges USMNT to harness momentum after record 4-1 demolition of Paraguay

Brian McBride, one of the most decorated players in USMNT history, says the United States must ride the momentum from their record-breaking 4-1 demolition of Paraguay — the most goals the co-hosts have ever scored in a single World Cup match — as they prepare to face Australia in Seattle on Friday.

McBride, who appeared at three World Cups during a career that included spells at Fulham and Everton, told Reuters he had seen the foundations of something special take shape even before the tournament began. He pointed to the pre-tournament friendly against Germany as the moment the squad started to click, with full-backs Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson causing the four-time world champions persistent problems with their penetrating runs.

“You saw the foundation of what they’re going to be capable of doing,” McBride said. “So for them to go into that atmosphere and that pressure and really execute throughout the match was something that is really exciting as they move forward.”

The former striker was particularly encouraged by an attacking approach that stretched Paraguay’s defence, flooded the midfield with numbers, and gave players the freedom to express themselves — a dimension he admitted he had not previously seen from this group.

“This approach will make it difficult for opponents to scout and defend against a versatile team with exciting young players who will be filled with confidence after the performance against Paraguay,” he added.

For McBride, the most valuable commodity the result has produced is not the three points but the psychological lift that comes with it. “The most important thing you get in the World Cup is momentum,” he said, “and a lot of times that momentum can carry you on to a bit of luck and some better results than expected. But certainly what it does is it gives you the belief that you’re able to continue down that same path.”

A win against Australia in Seattle would confirm the United States’ passage to the knockout rounds ahead of their final group game against Turkey in Los Angeles on 25 June. McBride expects a loud home crowd to play its part, but cautioned that the Socceroos will present a stiffer defensive test than Paraguay.

“The talent is there and you see the ideas,” he said. “I hope they’re able to play that same way against a good Australian team that is going to be difficult to break down.”