USA 1-1 Wales
Gareth Bale is the Cymru hero once more as his penalty salvaged a point for Wales against USA to open their World Cup 2022 campaign in Qatar.
Wales were lifeless in the first half as they were dominated by USA capped off by Timothy Weah’s goal. But Rob Page’s men looked like a much different side in the second half, and Bale made sure that they didn’t leave Al Rayyan empty-handed when he won and converted the penalty with nine minutes left.
You couldn’t have wrote it better for Wales as they’ve waited a lifetime for this opportunity, and now they have a realistic chance to advance to the next round alongside England – who routed Iran 6-2 in their opener – according to the World Cup 2022 odds.
Here at SBOTOP, we predicted this to be a hotly-contested affair and fans were the biggest winners since it turned out that way. So, continue to read on below as we recap the World Cup 2022 highlights from this match.
Highlights of the game
It was evident that Welsh fans were thirsting for this moment as they drowned out the Al Rayyan Stadium despite being outnumbered in the stands. However, it was the Americans who dominated the early proceedings much to their dismay.
They could’ve taken the lead after the first nine minutes when Wales centre-back Joe Rodon almost scored an own goal only to be kept out by his teammate Wayne Hennessey, before Josh Sargent hit the post moments after.
USA looked more dangerous as the match progressed and they finally scored on 36 minutes as Christian Pulisic found Timothy Weah on a beautiful dime, who expertly clipped the ball past Hennessey into the bottom right corner.
Wales would breathe a sigh of relief as they should’ve been trailing by more than one goal given their lacklustre performance. Rob Page then made one key adjustment that changed the complexion of the match.
Kieffer Moore was subbed in to replace the ineffective Dan James, and the Bournemouth forward immediately provided the spark that the Cymru needed.
He almost scored the equaliser during the 65th minute when he tried to head the ball in following a corner kick, but his ball unfortunately sailed over the net. Wales had a similar attempt moments earlier courtesy of Ben Davies when he tested Matt Turner.
Despite their forays forward, Wales looked destined for defeat in their first World Cup match for six decades, but it was their talisman Gareth Bale who provided them the decisive moment late.
Bale drew a foul from Walker Zimmerman inside the box and he thundered the ball past Matt Turner’s hands that sent Cymru supporters into a frenzy, knowing that they’re one step closer to the knockouts.
Key statistics
The shot distribution between USA and Wales was pretty much the same, but the latter had more shots on target than the former (3 to 1).
USA tallied four yellow cards, which is their most in a World Cup game since having five against Germany in 2002, while Wales were given two.
Timothy Weah surpassed his father George by playing and scoring in his first World Cup appearance. The 22-year-old son of the 1995 Ballon d’Or awardee is the fifth youngest scorer in Team USA’s history with three goals and two assists in his 25 caps.
At 19 years and 358 days, Yunus Musah is the youngest player to start a World Cup for the Americans, while Tyler Adams became the youngest player to captain their team since the 1950 World Cup (23 years, 279 days).
Gareth Bale scored his 41st goal for his country – which is also Wales’ first World Cup goal in 64 years. His last five goals for club and country have come in the 80th minute or later.
Two of the three meetings between USA and Wales in all competitions have finished level, with USA winning the other match 2-0 back in 2003.
Wales are winless in six consecutive games across all competitions (D2, L4) for the first time since a stretch between September 2010 and May 2011.
What’s next?
USA face the tall order of trying to beat England for the first time ever this Friday night. The Three Lions have won thrice and drawn once against the Americans across all competitions prior to Friday.
Wales are slated to take on Iran also this Friday where they have a great chance of moving second behind England in the Group B table. This is the first ever competitive meeting between these two countries.
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