World Cup 2026: US defender sets unprecedented passing record

According to a VNA correspondent in New York, the US team's performance under coach Mauricio Pochettino delivered a dazzling attacking football spectacle with sharp, high-speed passing combinations. Amid that lively atmosphere, defender Chris Richards quietly made history by completing all 84 passes accurately throughout the match.

This is the highest number ever achieved by a player in a World Cup match without any errors since data recording began in 1966. This achievement allowed him to surpass the record of 71 passes set by English defender John Stones in 2022 and 59 passes by Brazilian defender Miranda in 2018.

This perfection sparked an interesting debate among experts about the value of absolute passing accuracy. While French player Rayan Cherki argued that a few moments of genius are still worth more than a match with 99% pass completion, many others see it as a symbol of composure and control. In fact, although most of Chris Richards' passes on June 12 were sideways, his presence helped the US maintain a dominant position with 65% possession.

Under coach Mauricio Pochettino's guidance, the US team deployed a fluid 3-2-5 formation in attack. Defender Chris Richards, along with center-back Tim Ream and right-back Alex Freeman, formed a solid wall, constantly pressuring Paraguay into a defensive stance. The home team's dominance was evident through 264 touches in the final third, completely overshadowing the opponent's modest 54 touches.

What is surprising is that defender Chris Richards entered this match with fitness concerns after missing a previous friendly against Germany. However, the player currently playing for Crystal Palace in England demonstrated remarkable grace. In the 7th minute, his calm ball handling initiated the attack that led to Paraguay's own goal, kicking off a festive night.

Although some opinions suggest his passes were too safe, completing 84 consecutive successful passes in a high-pressure environment like the World Cup is no easy feat. As the legend Johan Cruyff said: "Playing football is simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing in the world." With a resounding victory and impressive personal records, American fans are living in the happiest days as soccer has truly become a source of pride for the United States. This win also eased some pressure on the organizers after controversies over World Cup ticket prices possibly reaching thousands of dollars for the best seats.