Bale avoids defeat for Wales

The promising new batch of players from the United States, who were also making their World Cup debut after the absence of Russia 2018, were much superior in the first half, but ended up paying for the aerial siege to which Wales subjected them in the second. The European team salvaged a point on the most awaited day for the best generation in its history, capable of leading this nation of three million people to two European Championships in a row and their second World Cup.

Despite his scant activity in recent months, Gareth Bale gave himself up in defense and attack and was once again the talisman of his team. Dying half the stands red, thousands of passionate Welsh supporters enjoyed a thrilling preview of the game to a national anthem they had been waiting to sing for 64 years.

As the ball rolled, however, the atmosphere created by the ‘Dragons’ fans quickly faded under the absolute dominance of the US team. Second youngest team in Qatar, ‘Team USA’ not only wants to gain experience for the World Cup that it will co-organize in 2026, but also wants to leave its mark with the talent of the new generation led by Christian Pulisic (Chelsea).

From their usual 4-3-3 formation, Gregg Berhalter’s men cornered an opponent who, aware of his technical limitations, withdrew without complexes, waiting for a chance from set pieces or to activate Bale, who was watching the game in isolation. the right band. Before 10 minutes into the game, Wales saved themselves with an unbeatable double chance from the Americans.

First came a cross from Weah’s right that Joe Rodon headed into his own net, fortunately heading straight for the keeper’s body.

The same play led to another ball into the Welsh box that Josh Sargent headed home to the post. The United States kept pressing and, after a high shot by Sergiño Dest, found the first goal in an action started by Pulisic from midfield. The Chelsea winger raced past his defenders and filtered a delightful pass to Weah, who chipped the ball past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

At the age of 22, the powerful winger from French Lille celebrated the goal in style in one of the few venues that his father George Weah, the only African Ballon d’Or winner, could not qualify Liberia for a Cup. of the world. Behind on the scoreboard, Wales faced the worst possible scenario, forced to advance lines and give space behind the fast American wingers.

Rob Page, the coach who replaced Ryan Giggs after his accusations of gender violence, introduced the giant Kieffer Moore (1.96m tall) into the field and ordered a bombing attack on the American area.

Ben Davies was about to take advantage of one of those crosses, but his point-blank header was parried spectacularly by goalkeeper Matt Turner. Seconds later, Moore scared the ‘Team USA’ body again with another header that went high.

Fortune smiled on Wales after a hasty action by central defender Walker Zimmerman, who brought down Bale from behind in the area. Eight minutes from regulation time, the former Real Madrid player equalized with a left-footed shot to the squad and made his fans explode with jubilation.

Gregg Berhalter made numerous changes but the United States no longer had an answer against a Wales that was even able to win on the counterattack.