Bale Penalty Rescues Wales Against USA Making An Equalizer

After Tim Weah had given the USA a merited lead, Gareth Bale’s late penalty gave Wales their first World Cup goal in 64 years and a crucial point in their fight to advance out of Group B. Most likely, the teams are now engaged in a competition for goals: who can score more against Iran, and who can give up fewer goals against England.

The difference in speed, athleticism, and initiative was highlighted by the USA’s extra player in the middle of the field during the first half. A goal seemed inevitable despite their inability to create chances; Wayne Hennessey’s only noteworthy stop came after Wales’ center-back Joe Rodon headed the ball goalward. And when it did, it was a stunning goal, as Christian Pulisic blazed through midfield before sliding a pass in behind for Weah, who finished with calm precision.

For the second half, Robert Page substituted Kieffer Moore, and thanks to his ability to run channels and hold the ball up, Wales was able to gain momentum. Although they didn’t have many opportunities—Bale was invisible until he wasn’t—in the 80th minute, Tim Ream unnecessarily punched through the back of their talisman, and the penalty was delivered with the wrath of the ages.

Robert Page has done a great job since replacing Ryan Giggs, but he made a terrible mistake with his starting lineup. It’s a good thing his team was still in the game when he made a change at halftime.

Going for speed up front made some sense, but not when his team had no out-ball and especially while against a younger, faster, stronger squad that had an additional player in midfield.

It’s possible that Page decides to start Kieffer Moore against Iran because of how much of a difference he made when he entered the game. Page must take care not to select the team he ought to have chosen for the encounter since they will present a different challenge.

Brennan Johnson, who looked energetic when he came on and whose trickery would assist create space against a team inclined to sit back, might be the wise decision in that game because Wales shouldn’t have any trouble gaining the ball.

On November 21, 2022, in Doha, Qatar, during the USA vs. Wales FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B game at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Gareth Bale of Wales scored their team’s first goal via a penalty.

 

In a game of poor quality, no player shone out, but Moore’s entrance had the biggest influence.

USA: Turner 6, Dest 6, Ream 5, Zimmerman 6, Robinson 6, Musah 6, Adams 5, McKennie 5, Sargent 5, Weah 6, Pulisic 6. Subs: Aaronson 6, Wright 6, Yedlin 6, Acosta 6, Morris 6.

WALES: Hennessey 6, Mepham 6, Rodon 6, Davies 6, Roberts 6, Ampadu 7, Ramsey 5, Williams 6, Wilson 5, Bale 6, James 5. Subs: Moore 7, Johnson 6, Thoas 6, Morrell 6.=

10’ – HERE COME USA! Fed by Dest, Weah breaks down the right and slings over a decent cross; there’s no one there, but Rodon hasn’t checked and no one lets him know, so he nails a header that forces Hennessey into a smart reaction save. USA sustains the attack though, and when the ball comes back in from the other side, Sargent flicks a header just past the near post. Wales can’t get into this at all.

36’ – GOAL! USA 1-0 Wales (Weah): This is beautifully done! Sargent slips back to Pulisic roundabout halfway and he scorches through midfield then, when he slides a ball in behind, Weah sprints from out to in and Williams can’t catch up. So Hennessey comes out and Weah flicks adroitly past his outstretched leg, scoring the World Cup goal his old fella never managed!

64’ WILSON SWERVES IN A FINE BALL! And Zimmerman makes a fine header, running back towards his own goal. This begins some pinball, that ends with Davies powering a header that Turner turns over! Wales are coming!

65’ – IN COMES THE CORNER AND MOORE IS UP! He makes a great connection too – if anything, Clive, he’s headed it too well! – and the ball flies over the top!

80’ – PENALTY TO WALES! Johnson takes a quick throw, Roberts pokes into the box, and Ream ploughs through Bales’ legs to tackle!

82’ – GOAL! USA 1-1 Wales (Bale pen): Bale slams a rising effort high into the net and though Turner gets a finer to it – I think – the power is enough to take it in! Gareth Bale has scored Wales’ first World Cup goal in 64 years! What a moment!