The USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) started the 2022 World Cup season on the right foot before conceding to Wales.
Their victory was short-lived, however, as Welsh icon and LAFC forward Gareth Bale leveled the match, and the match finished as a draw.
Summary
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium filled up with American fans on Monday who chanted “U-S-A” to show their support.
The USMNT maintained its dominance, assuming control for most of the game.
22-year-old Timothy Weah helped the side forward and scored the goal in the first half.
Though they started with a good game, LAFC star Gareth Bale brought the US side back to reality.
A reckless Walker Zimmerman challenge awarded Wales the penalty in the second half.
With experience, Bale had a shot on goal in the top corner.
After the final whistle, the Welsh fans went crazy as they chanted Bale’s name.
Wales manager Rob Paige praised his captaincy after the match, saying:
“He has never let us down.”
Read also: Qatar World Cup debut ends in loss to Ecuador
The lineups
The USMNT brought in a strong squad for Qatar in hopes of winning the World Cup.
Their lineup includes:
- Matt Turner
- Sergino Dest
- Antonee Robinson
- Tim Ream
- Walker Zimmerman
- Yunus Musah
- Weston McKennie
- Tyler Adams
- Joshua Sargent
- Timothy Weah
- Christian Pulisic
- Luca De La Torre
- Cristian Roldan
- Haji Wright
- Sean Johnson
- Kellyn Acosta
- Joe Scally
- Brendon Aaronson
- Giovanni Reyna
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Shaquell Moore
- Jordan Morris
- Jesus Ferreira
- Aaron Long
- DeAndre Yedlin
Meanwhile, Wales played their first World Cup game in decades, the last being 1958.
The Wales side brought an equally strong squad to ensure they leave their mark in the soccer festival, with a lineup that includes:
- Wayne Hennessey
- Ben Davies
- Joe Rodon
- Chris Mepham
- Aaron Ramsey
- Ethan Ampadu
- Connor Roberts
- Neco Williams
- Harry Wilson
- Gareth Bale
- Daniel James
- Kieffer Moore
- Rubin Colwill
- Mark Harris
- Joe Morrell
- Danny Ward
- Tom Lockyer
- Matthew Smith
- Jonathan Williams
- Joe Allen
- Sorba Thomas
- Adam Davies
- Chris Gunter
- Dylan Levitt
- Brennan Johnson
- Ben Cabango
Read also: Welsh Soccer Star Gareth Bale Earns Praises from LAFC Figures After Signing with the Club
The match
The USMNT squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been hailed as the “golden generation.”
However, they brought a certain naivety which cost them the match.
They took the opportunity to shine in the first half but the tie will mean that the USMNT will have to learn a lesson from the game.
In the first 45 minutes, the United States put heavy pressure on Wales, forcing their opponent to drop a few balls and aimless passes.
USMNT star and Chelsea striker Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah were the most aggressive players in the USA team.
However, their performances faltered in the second half.
Zimmerman’s foul allowed Wales and Gareth Bale to equalize, dropping points for the Americans.
“Walking into the locker room after the game, you could see the disappointment on their faces,” said USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter after the match.
“We got a bit sloppy with the ball in the second half, we had control in the first half.”
“Even when we’re winning, we’re thinking about how we could close out the game, but it didn’t happen. Players were disappointed, staff were disappointed.”
The USMNT meets another solid team in England on Friday.
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