World Cup 2022: Gareth Bale saves Wales a point against the USA

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Gareth Bale scored the late equaliser

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Clive Mason/Getty Images

The USA missed a win on their return to the World Cup stage and played 1-1 (1-0) against Wales.

After the Americans failed to qualify in 2018, they showed on Monday evening at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, especially in the first half, that their young and enthusiastic team can do a lot.

Wales, who were able to take part in a World Cup for the first time in 64 years, only found their game in the second half - and equalized late (82nd minute) with a penalty kick from Gareth Bale.

Timothy Weah had previously given the USA the lead (36th).

That put the USA and Wales in Group B behind England, who beat Iran 6-2 earlier in the afternoon.

The USA started the game boldly and could have taken the lead early on.

First Weah crossed from the right into the middle, where Wales defender Joe Rodon tried to clear, but headed the ball onto his own goal.

Keeper Wayne Hennesey paid attention and was able to parry.

The Americans still retained possession of the ball, after a cross from the left ex-Bremen Josh Sargent got the ball, but only hit the outside of the post with his head (10').

Wales, on the other hand, struggled.

Ethan Ampadu shot well over it from around 30 meters (14th), but the Brits didn't get much more.

The Welsh were concentrating on the defensive, narrowing the spaces – and still couldn't prevent the deficit.

Christian Pulisic went solo in midfield and then played a remarkable interface pass to Weah, who converted safely from a few meters (36th).

Weah now has one thing ahead of his prominent father George, namely a World Cup goal.

The 1995 world footballer never made it to a World Cup with Liberia, of which he has been president since 2018.

Weah is also the first player since Brazil's Pelé to score against Wales in a World Cup.

The USA had 66 per cent possession in the first half and kept Wales out of the game with aging superstar Bale.

Above all, former Dortmund player Pulisic, who now plays for Chelsea, and goalscorer Weah repeatedly caused danger with their pace.

Wales wakes up

In the second half, the Welsh were much more present in the duels, often conquered the ball, but didn't get through decisively for a long time.

It only became dangerous in the 64th minute.

After a free kick, the Americans did not get the ball cleared.

Wales centre-back Ben Davies headed in from close range, but was denied by Matt Turner, who made a strong save.

After the subsequent corner, Kieffer Moore headed just over the goal.

The USA had completely lost their dominance from the first half and only became dangerous on the counterattack.

Wales then struck shortly before the end: Walker Zimmerman fouled Bale in the penalty area.

The Welsh record scorer converted the penalty kick to make it 1-1 (82').

In a wild final phase, no team was able to score the winning goal.

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