The USMNT are back in the Round of 16 after surviving Group B of the Qatar 2022 World Cup among rivals like England, Iran and Wales. Now, this young generation of players take on the Netherlands trying to reach the quarterfinals for the firsttime since Japan-Korea 2002.
After failing to qualify for the2018 World Cup, theUnited Statesare getting redemption inQatar 2022. This is the second-youngest roster for the US in tournament’shistorywith an average age of25 years, 175 days. Gio Reyna is a key factor for that at 20-years old.
Gregg Berhalter’s team started the Qatar 2022 World Cup with twoties facingWales (1-1) and England (0-0). Then, in a must-win scenario, the USMNT answered with a 1-0 victory against Iran. The Netherlands became the next rival in the Round of 16 and many people expected to see Gio Reyna in the starting lineup.
Why is Gio Reynanot playing in United Statesvs Netherlands?
Though he is one of the best players in the USMNT roster, as a young sensation with Borussia Dortmund, Gio Reyna didn’t start any of the three matches at the group stage. In a merely tactical decision, coach Gregg Berhalter has decided Reyna is not a decisive factor yet in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Gio Reyna only played in the game against England as asubstitute for Timothy Weah in minute 83′. Weah, Josh Sargent and Christian Pulisic have been the usual starting names in attack for the United States during the World Cup.
However, in a single-elimination game like the one against the Netherlands, Gio Reyna is available to come from the bench. The USMNT haven’t won a Roundof 16 match since their 2002 victory over Mexico at Jeonju.
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