Almost seven months before the start of the World Cup, Giovanni Reyna from Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach played a decisive role in co-host USA’s friendly win against Paraguay.
The midfielder took the early lead in the US boys’ 2-1 (1-1) win against the South Americans, who had already qualified for the finals.
Reyna scored in the 4th minute. After Alex Arce’s equalizer (10th), Folarin Balogun made the final score (71st) in front of 17,224 spectators in Chester, Pennsylvania. Substitute goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, son of honorary German captain Jürgen Klinsmann, was not used.
The US team has been undefeated in four friendly matches (two draws, two wins). Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s selection will face Uruguay on Wednesday.
The other two World Cup hosts were less successful. Mexico couldn’t get beyond a goalless draw against two-time world champions Uruguay. Canada had previously separated from finals starters Ecuador with the same result.