United States’ Reyna wholesome regardless of absence from Wales draw

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — United States attacker Giovanni Reyna mentioned he’s “100%” wholesome regardless of being an unused substitute within the workforce’s 1-1 draw with Wales to open the World Cup.

Reyna, who has battled accidents for many of the final 12 months, featured in Borussia Dortmund’s closing three video games earlier than the World Cup break and figured to be a serious contributor for the US on the event.

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“I really feel actually good. I really feel nice,” Reyna mentioned. “I really feel nice. [Coach Gregg Berhalter] would not have to inform me why he did not put me in or why he does.”

Berhalter used his first 4 substitutes to insert midfielder Brenden Aaronson, striker Haji Wright, right-back DeAndre Yedlin and midfielder Kellyn Acosta all with the US main 1-0. He gave the impression to be able to sub in center-back Aaron Lengthy earlier than Wales equalized by means of a Gareth Bale penalty within the 82nd minute.

Regardless of Reyna’s claims of full well being, Berhalter, who introduced on Jordan Morris for Timothy Weah within the 88th minute, mentioned he was taking a cautious method.

“It was making an attempt to get him in control. I believe there was a bit little bit of tightness that we had been guarding him towards in Al-Gharafa within the coaching train as a precaution.” Berhalter mentioned. “However we have been constructing him up and suppose he can play an enormous function on this event. The query is when. Hopefully Friday, he’ll be one other step forward.”

The US has three days off earlier than it takes on group-leader England on Friday after the Three Lions opened their event earlier on Monday with an emphatic 6-2 win towards Iran take management of Group B.

US captain Tyler Adams additionally mentioned Reyna was able to play towards Wales and was optimistic he might make an influence towards England.

“We all know the influence he could make when he comes into video games and when he has the chance,” Adams mentioned. “So, when he will get his probability, he’ll take it.”

A number of gamers on the US expressed disappointment about leaving with the draw after main for many of the recreation, however had been typically happy with the general efficiency.

“Issues change actually rapidly in soccer,” Adams mentioned. “Clearly, you must change gears, get better as rapidly as potential for an enormous subsequent recreation. We all know how a lot high quality England’s gonna have. However once more, we expect that we match up effectively towards them.

“Now we have an athletic workforce. We predict that towards the ball we’re actually dominant at instances. You noticed that tonight with our counter-pressing and the way we’re in a position to create quite a lot of transition moments.”

Requested whether or not his workforce would have time to get better forward of the match with England, Berhalter mentioned enjoying one of many event favorites was the one motivation the US would want.

“You are attending to play England, that is the restoration proper there, you get to play one of many groups that we expect is a favourite of the event,” Berhalter mentioned. “Street forward is subsequent recreation. It is a fairly quick highway.”