World Cup 2022: Wales hoping for history repeat after Bale salvages USA draw

Wales will feel like they've been here before.

Wales can look to the past for inspiration as they plot their way forward in the Middle East.

Wales have qualified for four major tournaments in a row for the first time in 58 years. Last year's delayed Euro 2020 could be the template for progress at this World Cup.

In the heat of Azerbaijan, Wales' first match in 2021 was not going to plan as they trailed 0-1 at half-time against Switzerland.

The platform for the second group game was set when Kieffer Moore's goal gave Wales a draw and they blew Turkey away.

There were echoes of that campaign's beginning in the country.

The USA dominated Wales in the first half and were only able to take a one-point lead at the break.

Bale, their captain and all-time leading scorer, conjured another decisive moment with a late penalty.

It was similar to a film they had seen before.

Bale said the goal was what they needed.

It didn't matter who scored it, we had a chance to win it. The second half was very good for us.

The most important thing was that the team scored. We just need to keep going.

Robert Page said after the game that Bale is still a match-winner but he has to choose his moments.

Bale has the ability to roll back the years and produce performances of vintage quality like he did for that victory over Turkey at Euro 2020.

Bale, Moore and the rest of Wales' players adapted during that match against Switzerland, survived the onslaught and put themselves in a position where they could beat Turkey and advance to the next round.

The players helped make sure Wales completed the first part of the trick against the United States.

They need to beat Iran on Friday in order to progress to the second round.

Page said that lessons have been learned. We did not lose the game. We need to get a team ready to go again on Friday because we have tired bodies in there.

"If you look at the bench now, we've got Brennan Johnson playing in the premier league, he came on and made an impact, Kieffer came on and made an impact as well."

We have strength in more than one area. I can look over my shoulder to the bench and see players who can make a difference.

Despite losing their final group game to Italy, Wales made it to the round of 16.

Next Tuesday, they will play England in their final World Cup match.

Wales would be happy for another Euro 2020. It's possible that the goodwill doesn't extend to wishing that their final group opponents win the trophy again.

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