Reyna hoping for World Cup progress

Last updated : 22 June 2006 By Ben Collins

With David James England's second-choice keeper behind Paul Robinson, Reyna is the only City player in action at the World Cup.

But he will be heading home if the States don't beat Ghana this afternoon in their final Group E game in Nuremberg (3pm).

Despite losing 3-0 to the Czech Republic in their opening game, the States still have a chance of reaching the last 16 after holding on for a 1-1 draw with Italy, when the US were reduced to 9 men at the start of the 2nd half.

“This team has done it before,” Reyna said. “Four points got us through the last time (in 2002). We´re alive and we know what we have to do."

Reyna & Co eventually reached the quarter-finals in 2002, where they were narrowly beaten by Germany.

Their only goal so far has been an own goal, although Reyna hit a post with a long-range drive against the Czechs, but the US skipper believes the Italy performance was good for their morale.

“If we can do it against Italy, that is a big confidence booster that the chances will be there," he added.

“We have to frustrate Ghana, try not to let them win the game in the first 10 minutes and create chances. We know we can break out and score a few goals. We have players that can score and we have players that can run.”

If the US win and Italy beat the Czechs in the other group game then the Americans will go through without having to worry about goal difference.