The US men's national team had to settle for a draw in their opening game of the World Cup against Wales.
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Tim Weah scored the US's first goal after getting a pass from Christian Pulisic. After struggling in the first half, Wales came back in the second with a late penalty from Bale.
Player ratings, best and worst performers, highlights and notable moments, post- match quotes, and key statistics are included.
The tactical layout was easy to understand. The US would have the lion's share of the possession and Wales would be content to sit back and watch. The US was in control of the ball for most of the first half.
The only question was if the US could take advantage of opportunities. It looked like the answer would be no for a while, as Joe Rodon headed Weah's cross into the net and Josh Sargent hit the outside of the post.
Even as they generated next to nothing in attack, Wales seemed to be settled into a comfortable area on defense. The US got a breakthrough in the 36th minute. The American was in space for one of the few times in the first half, and his pass found Weah in the clear to score.
It was a deserved tally for all of the work that the U.S. did in the first half, but it was made to suffer in the second, as Wales made some tactical changes.
The U.S. received some much-needed energy in the middle of the field after the introduction of a new player in the 78th minute. It wasn't enough for the field to be called back in their direction. Given that Bale had his back to goal, the penalty was correctly called and Bale converted it with authority.
The result will stay with the U.S. team. The battle for second place now remains wide open, with a difficult game against the Three Lions up next, as it was minutes away from claiming all three points. The result is not fatal but it is not what the US was hoping for.
In having a matchwinner in Bale in their side, the Dragons could pose a threat to any team. One wondered how they had made it this far in the first half. Wales didn't do anything to trouble the US defense.
The Americans' suffocating play through Tyler Adams as well as Tim Ream's defense were some of the reasons for this. Wales didn't help itself with some of the passes it made. In the first half, Bale touched the ball just fifteen times.
The second-half introduction of Kieffer Moore gave Wales a bit more heft up front and the move gave the U.S. defense something different to think about. Wales pinned the US back during the second half of the game. Ben Davies had a chance to equalize in the 65th minute when he headed the ball over the bar. Moore's headbutt went over.
Just when it looked like the U.S. might survive, Wales was given a boost when the US was awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Bale. Bale's spot kick gave Wales a priceless point, one that looked unlikely for much of the evening. Group B is not restricted.
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George Weah, Weah's father and former Ballon d'Or winner, has shadowed his son for most of his professional career. In the past few years, the younger Weah has won league titles with Paris Saint-Germain, Celtic and Lille.
Tim was never seen by his famous dad. George missed out on making it to the World Cup, but he did make it to the Olympics. Tim has a goal to remember.
Tim's performance is even more impressive because he operates in a position that is the deepest on the U.S. squad, with his pace, off-the-ball running and finishing keeping talented players on the bench. He might have walked away with the game winner, but given his contribution, he'll keep his spot.
Matt Turner, Tim Ream, Sergino Dest, and Tyler Adams are all from the USA.
Subs: Haji Wright 5, Jordan Morris 5.
Wales: Wayne Hennessey, Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Neco Williams, and Harry Wilson.
Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson, Joe Morrell, and Sorba Thomas were on the subs.
Tim Weah is the best. Weah gets the nod for his contributions to the attack but also for his willingness to help out defensively.
The United States' Walker Zimmerman is the worst. It proved for him that defenders are judged on their mistakes. He didn't have to hit Bale. It is not yet known how costly it will be.
President Biden gave a speech to the USMNT.
President Joe Biden gave the USMNT a call ahead of their first World Cup match 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/e0d3yLvO1g
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 21, 2022
In his playing career, George Weah achieved many things. He didn't play in the World Cup but his son did. He was able to hold that over Dad at the next gathering.
Tim Weah with the cool finish!
🎥 » @FOXSoccer
pic.twitter.com/sMG2iZavVn
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