Qatar 2022 World Cup: The United States were preparing the celebrations but Gareth Bale ruined the party

USA and Wales drew 1-1 on their Qatar 2022 opener for the first round of group B. Ahmad bin Ali Stadium was the scene of a vibrant match where they distributed the costume of the protagonists throughout the game.

For both, the match meant, in addition to the nerves of the presentation, a return to the World Cup. United States, absent in Russia 2018, e Wales, from Sweden 1958they returned to the football main stage with different approaches but similar goals.

This was made clear during a match that surprised by the dizzying pace. In the first 45 minutes it was Gregg Berhalter’s men who imposed conditions, trying to suffocate the opponent at the start and hurt him with quick plays.

He did it occasionally, but with certainty embarrassment in the sign which cost him to load up on detective stories. United States, the youngest team in the tournamentHe has not hidden his enthusiasm nor his desire to show off, also preparing for the 2026 World Cup in which he will be one of the three hosts.

Christian Pulisic, 10 years old, driver of the Americans, found at 35 minutes a clear alley between Welsh media and supporters and took the opportunity to enable Timothy Weah, which he defined from below before the departure of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. 1 to 0 and jubilation for a team that dared enough give anyone a bad night.

However, the second half seems to have been marked by a change of roles. A mirror of the first half, in which it was Wales, with the urgency not to be defeated, who came out to try to impose conditions.

Faced with a tired and lingering rival in the field even with the intention of taking care of the advantage, the Europeans pushed higherwhich put the three dots for the United States between question marks.

A cross from Connor Roberts nearly hit the far post and two heroic saves by Matt Turnerafter headers inside the box, they were the first signs that the United States would have difficulty maintaining a 1-0 lead.

The midfield was a fast transit area for both, even when there weren’t many clear chances. The obvious thing was that the two were betting on speed on creation and patience.

In the minute ’79Aaron Ramsey, right, bunted in center for losing in play Gareth Balewhich dominated within the area and it was shot down.

Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim did not hesitate to emphasize the point criminal. The former Real Madrid player welcomed the ball. He took a deep breath and nailed hard, come on, against Turner’s left stick. Unbridled party against the red-clad audience behind the goal.

The 1 against 1 was more in line with the overall analysis of the match, which the two continued to try, but now without legs and with the idea of ​​an acceptable draw.

Equality favors England, who defeated Iran and closes the first appointment as group leader. However, the United States and Wales are yet to face the 1966 champions and, so far, one of the two worst teams in the tournament.

The prognosis is reserved in group B, which is closely followed by Qataris, Ecuadorians, Senegalese and the Dutch.

DS