Bale saves Wales from defeat by the USA in a clash of different times on their World Cup opener

With a draw between the two teams, England alone lead Group B, with 3 points

No wonder Gareth Bale brings the hope of Wales upon returning from the country to a world Cup after 64 years. On Monday, the 33-year-old striker showed why he’s an idol. In a game in which he rarely appeared, the number 11 conceded the penalty and shot perfectly to save his team from defeat against the United States, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha. In a match with a deciding climate for second position in Group B, in which England have huge favouritism, the 1-1 ended due to the different stadiums of the teams.

It was Bale’s 41st goal for Wales. He is the top scorer and always the big bet for exploits in European competitions against world powers. On the other hand, Timothy Weah also had plenty of reasons to celebrate the US goal. The 22-year-old is the son of the legendary George Weah, president of Liberia and the only African to be voted the best in the world.

Aware of England’s strength, shown on their debut in the 6-2 draw against Iran, the United States and Wales took to the field with the same thoughts: the match was an early decision for second place in Group B. Winning meant doing one huge step per octave.

Absent from the 2018 edition, the USA received a vote of confidence from President Joe Biden and words of encouragement to seek triumph in this return to the World Cup, after eight years. Welsh came from a much larger fast. There have been 64 years of waiting. The loud and emotional singing at the time of the national anthem by the team and its fans was captivating.

The ball rolled and the Americans got off to a better start. Even with Qatar’s second youngest selection, averaging 25.2 years, they didn’t let themselves be intimidated and went on the attack. The moves went from the feet of number 10 Pulisic and also to the right end, with Timothy Weah, young son of the legendary George Weah, the only African chosen as the best in the world. From the boy’s feet comes the cross which Rodon almost deflects into his own net. Hennessey goalkeeper saves. Sargent, also from above, was surprised.

With a very defensive posture, Wales did not threaten goalkeeper Turner before the break. The apathy on the pitch made the fans more apprehensive in the stands, while on the other side the American fans gave a big thrill with the traditional “U”, “S”, “A”. The stage was divided between grief x excitement.

Far behind, Wales were soon punished by the scare presented in Doha. Spurred on with speed, Pulisic assists between defenders and the lightweight Weah seems free to take Hennessey and celebrate the first American goal of the game. Justice for what was presented on the pitch.

Robert Page hasn’t given up on the scheme with three defenders, but has opted to change Wales’ attack, focusing on the entry of a big and combative centre-forward. With Moore, 1.96m tall, in place of James, his team started to have more ball up front, investing in the ‘sprinklers’. Either way, he put Turner to work, on a strong header from Davies. Ream also let out the “UH” from the crowd.

The United States no longer had the comfort of the first 45 minutes. Now those who “ruled” the game were the Europeans. On the American side, counterattacks have become the option. Pulisic complained about a penalty in one of the races, but the home referee, Qatari Al-Jassim Abdulrahman, scored nothing properly.

The dispute also flared up in the stands. The Welsh, finally, began to have reasons to free their voice and vibrate, while the Americans tried to leave their selection activated in response from the other side.

Berhalter, disliking what he liked, decided to change the US lineup, with the additions of Yedlin, Acosta and Wright to renew the strength of the team. Some players were already suffering from wear and tear and cramps. The Americans were still spooked when the country’s leading player, Pulisic, fell to the ground in pain. He took one step on his heel and another on his ankle, but he recovered.

Just when they were building up their marking strength to hold onto the minimum score, USA saw defender Zimmerman spoil a hitherto needed game by committing a silly penalty on a dull Bale. The number 11 took a deep breath and didn’t send any chances in defense to even the score.

The goal thrilled the Wales selection, who were more courageous and also had the opportunity to turn around. Stopped at Turner’s. In the end, the draw proved fair for the presentation of the USA in the first half and the Europeans in the second half. In the next round, Wales take on Iran, while the United States look to hold off a strong England player, both on Friday.

DATA SHEET

UNITED STATES 1 x 1 WALES

UNITED STATES – Turner; Dest (Yedlin), Zimmerman, Ream and Robinson; Adams, Musah (Acosta); McKennie (Aaranson), Timothy Weah (Morris), Sargent (Wright) and Pulisic. Coach: Gregg Berhalter.

WALES – Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon and Ben Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, Ramsey, Williams (Johnson) and Gareth Bale; Harry Wilson (Thomas) and James (Moore). Technician: Robert Page.

GOAL – Timothy Weah, 36′ into the first half; Gareth Bale (penalty), 35′ after the second.

REFEREE – Al-Jassim Abdulrahman (Qatar).

YELLOW CARD – Dest, Ream, Acosta and McKennie (United States) and Gareth Bale and Mepham (Wales).

AUDIENCE – 43,418 present.

VENUE – Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Doha.

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Source: Terra

Camila

Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.