Late Gareth Bale penalty denies the USMNT World Cup win
Gareth Bale produced late on for Los Angeles FC in their MLS Cup final win over the Philadelphia Union this season, and he made the difference again as he rescued a point for Wales against the USMNT in their opening World Cup Group B match.
Timothy Weah had given the US the lead in the first half when he finished with the outside of his boot after Christian Pulisic had played him through. Gregg Berhalter’s side controlled the first half but things started to change when Wales brought on Kieffer Moore for Dan James at the break.
Wales was much improved in the second half and late on Bale was brought down by Walker Zimmerman. The LAFC forward fired his penalty into the top corner, a goal which denied the Stars and Stripes an opening game victory.
Bale had a chance to win it for his side in added time as he gathered the ball when Matt Turner was off his line. However, his LAFC teammate Kellyn Acosta bundled him to the floor.
Berhalter’s side would be very disappointed to have given up the lead, especially after a very dominant first half. Questions will be asked as to why Gio Reyna was left on the bench and of course the debate about Haji Wright’s inclusion in the squad ahead of Jordan Pefok and Ricardo Pepi.
Gareth Bale’s reaction to Wales’ 1-1 draw with the USA
Speaking after the game to the BBC, Bale said:
“It’s an amazing feeling to get off the mark personally, but we would much rather have had the three points.
“It was a great team performance, especially in the second half when we showed that real grit and determination to get back into the game.”
England is next for the USMNT
Next up for the USMNT is a tough match against England on Friday. The Three Lions defeated Iran 6-2 in their first game, so Berhalter’s side will need to be much improved from their performance against Wales.
The US has surprised England in the past, for example, with the 1-0 win at the 1950 World Cup. Joe Gaetjens’s goal won it for the amateur USA side against an England team featuring the likes of Tom Finney, Billy Wright and Alf Ramsey.
There was also the 1-1 draw at the 2010 World Cup where Steven Gerard’s opener was cancelled out when Rob Green fumbled Clint Dempsey’s shot. In South Africa, the USMNT went on to win their group despite drawing their first game thanks to Landon Donovan’s 90th-minute winner against Algeria.
Donovan’s late winner should be used as inspiration for Berhalter’s side that they can still progress despite the disappointment of only drawing against Wales.
The USA will be looking at Pulisic to be the star just like Donovan was back in 2010. The Chelsea forward has had a mixed time in England so will be out to prove a point with his national side when they come up against the side whose domestic league he plays in.
Despite assisting Weah’s goal, Pulisic would have liked to have made more of an impact. He knows many of the English players from playing in the Premier League and has a chance to make the difference for his country.
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