A lot because the dialog on-line following a disappointing 1-1 draw for the US in its World Cup opener towards Wales centered on Giovanni Reyna’s lack of enjoying time, the larger query for Gregg Berhalter got here in simply how lengthy it took to start out utilizing his substitutions, interval.
After a profitable first half through which the U.S. spent more often than not enjoying in possession, it took all of 10 minutes into the second half to appreciate the equation had modified. Wales had deserted the technique of mendacity in wait in hopes of a counterattack in favor of enjoying additional up the pitch. It took Berhalter too lengthy to give you a response, particularly to Kieffer Moore’s presence in entrance of web, and the People have been fortunate not to surrender a purpose within the air on a header that Moore despatched over the bar within the sixty fifth minute, or one from Ben Davies that compelled a save from Matt Turner simply earlier than that.
Aerial presence on the again line was at all times going to be a difficulty on this crew, however maintaining Tim Ream on for the complete 100 minutes after stoppage time felt prefer it was asking quite a bit.
“What I’d say is Wales went very direct within the second half,” Berhalter stated on the Fox broadcast, concerning what modified. “They usually bought a giant crew they usually made it tough. We managed it properly however after they hit lengthy balls and performed for second balls, it turns into tough.”
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It was additionally disappointingly clear that Weston McKennie will not be fairly able to play 90 minutes as he works his method again from a quad damage, and even maintaining McKennie on for 66 minutes, as Berhalter did, felt like 10 too lengthy.
Upon coming in, Brenden Aaronson helped shift the play again in favor of the People. It wasn’t sufficient in the long run, however it helped convey vitality and it opens the query of whether or not Aaronson ought to begin towards England.
Then there was Reyna, who — Kate Abdo clarified on the postgame present — is accessible to play on Friday. Berhalter indicated after the match that Reyna remains to be constructing as much as health.
“They're making an attempt to get him in control,” Berhalter advised reporters. “They're guarding towards tightness. Within the coaching train towards Al-Gharafa there was tightness. We’re taking precaution and constructing him up. He can play a giant position, the query is when.”
Reyna pressured that he was able to play if referred to as upon on Monday.
“I really feel actually good. I really feel nice. I really feel high-quality.” Reyna advised reporters after the sport. “[Berhalter] doesn’t have to inform me why he didn’t put me in or why he does. However I’m one hundred pc. I’m good to go.”
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