Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty ImagesThe United States men's national team was held to a disappointing draw by Wales in their opening game of the World Cup.
What looked like a dream scenario for the United States after Tim Weah scored early ended up being a nightmare when Walker Zimmerman conceded a penalty in the 80th minute and Bale netted the tying goal.
The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFCWalker Zimmerman concedes a penalty after taking out Gareth Bale in the box.
Bale steps up and hammers it into the net to put Wales right back in this game. #FIFAWorldCup #USA 1-1 #WAL pic.twitter.com/V2OcO31kjc
A combination of heavy legs and mental errors cost the U.S. a chance to get out of their group.
The dropped points could come back to bite them.
The USMNT drew with Wales.
Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesTim was outside looking at the national team picture.
Sam Stejskal @samstejskalA remarkable fact about the USMNT lineup:Tonight marks the first time either Tim Ream or Josh Sargent have started for the US since last September.
Both players are not only from the St. Louis area, but they both went to the same high school: St. Dominic in O’Fallon, Mo.
The 35-year-old's performances have been so great that he was difficult to ignore, even though he was ignored.
Ream showed how good he was against Wales and why Berhalter trusted him.
The person from St. Louis had a great game. The U.S. stymied Wales because of his veteran presence.
He won 80.0 percent of his ground battles and finished the match with 8 passes into the final third.
Ream did enough to show he's undroppable despite a potential clean sheet being spoiled.
Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesWales wasn't able to get going on offense because of the work rates of the three men.
The trio pressed relentlessly and made it difficult for the Welsh double pivots.
Adams had a really good game.
The U.S. recovered the ball quickly if they were pulled out of position during defensive transitions thanks to the leadership of the new national team captain.
He ended the match with an impressive 83.3 percent of his tackles won.
The counter-press was employed by the U.S. It can leave players tired and exposed by the end of the game.
Will this style be sustainable in England?
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Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty ImagesMatt Turner made a big impact.
He did his best to keep the clean sheet even though he didn't have much to do.
B/R Football @brfootballWow 🧤 pic.twitter.com/LJ3YHAeUqC
He wasn't able to do much on Bale's shot. Turner kept the U.S. from allowing more than they did.
He was brave, coming off his line several times, and making solid stops that pushed the U.S. on late in the game.
If the US wants to make it to the knockout stages, Turner will have to keep his good form.
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty ImagesAs the tournament goes on, a high press can bring good, but it can also bring bad.
TheWales attack was stopped by the Stars and Stripes. Nine touches were allowed in the final third of the game.
Paul Carr @PaulCarrThrough 30 minutes...Attacking-third touches:🇺🇸 69🏴 9Shots:🇺🇸 2
🏴 1
Multiple players experienced fatigue and pain as the match went on.
Wales pushed hard in the last five minutes of the game to try and get a win.
Will this style hurt the U.S. in the future?
In the other Group B game, England defeated Iran by a score of 6-2. The U.S. will have a hard time replicating their press against an opponent that had an easy game.
Clive Mason/Getty ImagesThe tackle on Bale was the epitome of a blunder.
With Bale's back facing toward goal, there was no reason to fly into the back of him.
The US lost three points due to his mistake. It isn't the end of the world, but it hurts their chances of making the next round.
Bale's tendency for scoring goals during pressure situations doesn't change regardless of how the penalty came to be.
The Welshman looked calm and collected as he scored the equalizing goal in the MLS Cup Final.
Bale showed his class once again, even though it wasn't the best day for Zimmerman.
Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesThe US will bounce back from this.
It will be a tough match up. The USMNT ran themselves ragged against a tough Welsh side and seeing them beat Iran doesn't inspire confidence.
It's possible that England will want to have possesion. The US will likely attack if that is the case.
With pace on the flanks and enough physical presence through the middle, Berhalter could set up the team in a 4-3-3.
When England is pulled out of position, the main outlet of attack could be down the left flank with the speed of Antonee Robinson.
The one vs Wales will not be the same as this one. The US needs to get a result if they want to advance.
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