Spot On Gareth Bale Rescues Point For Wales In USA Group B Clash

Gareth Bale scored an 82nd minute penalty as Wales came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against the United States Abdulrahman Al-Jassim stadium on Monday.

USA were on a mission to prove a point after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup whilst Wales are back in the tournament after a 64-year hiatus.

Timothy Weah had put USA ahead in the 36th minute after a sublime pass from Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic to put the Americans on their way to an opening win.

Weah, a son of former FIFA Player of the Year and current Liberian President George Weah, marked his first appearance at the finals with his 4th goal for his country.

The half-time introduction of striker Kieffer Moore revitalized Wales, whose newfound energy and purpose turned a one-sided affair into a genuine contest as Ben Davies and Moore both came close to equalizing.

Then with nine minutes left, the hitherto anonymous Bale was clattered in the box by Tim Ream before confidently converting his spot kick.

In the 750th international match in United States history, the Americans started a record 10 players from European clubs, with only Walker Zimmerman from Major League Soccer.

The stalemate was the first in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and both teams are level on 1 point, behind Group B leaders England who thrashed Iran 6-2 earlier in the day.

USA have reached the knockout round in 4 of their last 7 tournament appearances, but have failed to beat European opposition in 10 attempts now.

Wales will now take on Iran on Friday afternoon as England and USA battle it out later in the night.