The United States marked their return to the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Wales to open their play in Group B. An excellent goal from Tim Weah in the first half was later canceled by a Gareth Bale penalty kick conversion late in the second half as the two sides split points. It's a draw that doesn't feel all that great considering the Americans looked extremely sharp in the opening 45 minutes thanks to a brilliant ball by Christian Pulisic that helped put the team in the lead.
But the second half was a completely different story as the Welsh grew into the game and had Gregg Berhalter's team on the ropes. With under 10 minutes to go, Walker Zimmerman, who had been excellent on the day, carelessly fouled Bale in the box to concede a penalty. Big saves from Matt Turner were needed from Turner on the night, and while he got a piece of Bale's penalty, the shot was hit with too much power to be saved. This may feel like a lost opportunity when three points would've made the Wales-Iran a near-elimination match. Instead, the Americans will lick their wounds and prepare for a Black Friday showdown against England at 2 p.m. ET.
Here are a few takeaways from the match:
In Concacaf, this type of performance would've likely been enough to get three points, but mistakes are punished when you're at the biggest stage. This is not qualifying, and all it took was one forgettable tackle by Zimmerman to sour an excellent match as Bale rocketed his penalty into the net.
Bale was dispossessed by Tyler Adams late and kicked by Kellyn Acosta to stop a chance to score an open net go-ahead goal. It goes to show that these moments can go both ways, but the biggest what-if of the night rests on the availability of Gio Reyna.
Back to full fitness for Borussia Dortmund, Reyna's directness could've made a difference at the end of the match when the United States were throwing things forward. But Berhalter used Jordan Morris for Tim Weah as his final sub. He told reporters after the match that Reyna would be available for the England game, which suggests his status was uncertain for the opener. Morris, who was on the pitch for about 11 minutes, didn't have much time to make an impact. He only got three touches and failed to complete either of his crosses. The contribution wasn't good enough in his short time on the field.
Overall, the USMNT are still in fine shape to reach the round of 16, but they did make the job harder. Even if England sweep their matches, the United States would only need to better Wales' result against Iran to make the next stage, so it's not all doom and gloom after this setback. If Wales somehow lose to Iran and England beat the U.S., we could be in for a win-and-go-through match to close the group, at which point the USMNT would still control their destiny.
The goal for Wales was to kick Pulisic to the ground so he couldn't make an impact. He was somehow officially fouled four times during the match, and for the most part, Wales' game plan worked. But when Josh Sargent headed a ball into his path, and it allowed him to drift centrally, Pulisic shined by dribbling and playing Weah in for the game's first goal.
While his set-play delivery leaves much to be desired, there aren't many players on the national team who are able to break open a game like Pulisic. He completed the match against Wales but was clearly in pain from the sustained challenges. Against England, he'll need to be right back out there dribbling at their back line or chances of getting a victory drop significantly. It's worth monitoring his status with the next game only four days away.
Tyler Adams was beyond excellent. He was there at every turn when the United States needed someone to break up plays and keep an eye on Bale. He also ensured all of his passes landed in the right place. It's easy to take Adams for granted at times because he's such a consistent performer, but at the World Cup and wearing the armband at such a young age, his star shined the brightest. Adams won three tackles and had two interceptions while helping protect his center backs. Having Tim Ream behind him made things easier as Adams didn't have to over-extend knowing that someone could clean up attacks.
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| GROUP B | MP | W-D-L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1 | 1-0-0 | +4 | 3 |
| United States | 1 | 0-1-0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wales | 1 | 0-1-0 | 0 | 1 |
| Iran | 1 | 0-0-1 | -4 | 0 |
A lot of good for the United States but all it took was one bad moment to see three points slip away. Walker Zimmerman will learn from that but the United States will need to be more clinical against England. All things considered, a draw was a fair result but it hurts so see the draw happen in this way.
It looked like Bale had a chance to curl a shot on goal but out of nowhere, Adams was able to poke it away. Pulisic is still hurting but the defense did just enough.
Wales are giving the United States space but they can't capitalize on it. Only a few minutes remaining and a goal tt this stage could be critical.
It feels excessive but each match so far has had quite a bit so it checks out I guess.
The United States are lumping everything forward for a late winner. Can they find one?
It was almost an excellent save but Bale hit it with so much power and the match is level.
A reckless challenge on Bale gives Wales a chance from he spot and it's Bale to take.
Brennan Johnson enters for Neco Williams. A United States win could almost eliminate Wales from play by matchday two when they face Iran.
Aaronson had a shot for a header on goal but just missed Pulisic's cross. Yedlin, Acosta, and Wright come in for Musah, Dest, and Sargent to close the match out.
He has taken a beating during the match so the USMNT will hope it's wearing from all the hits as opposed to an actual injury as he has been central to the attack.
Kellyn Acosta, Haji Wright, and DeAndre Yedlin are coming to close the match out. Yedlin is the only member of the USMNT that has been to a World Cup before.
They get a header in the box but Turner reacted quickly to stop the chance. Moore follows up with a header from a corner as he's lost in the box and Aaronson enters for McKennie at the break.
Once he brings the ball down, it has taken 2-3 Americans to wrestle the ball away. A change is coming as Brenden Aaronson is getting ready, likely for Weston McKennie.
The United States were able to deal with the pressure but this is when Wales finds a team's weakness to capitalize on it. Berhalter will be looking for ways to get control back.
Wales have been better since Moore came on but Tyler Adams has been excellent with making small challenges to retain possession. The United States will likely need to bring on Brenden Aaronson soon for fresh legs as Wales want to play faster.
Turner was blocked in and lost the ball sandwiched between Bale and Moore. It was called for a foul but a warning from Wales to begin the half. The pressure is being turned up in the second half.
Keiffer Moore is in for Dan James to go more direct in the second half but Walker Zimmerman will be ready.
Dominating possession, the USMNT haven't needed to defend much but when they have Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream have been excellent. The attack has had kinks but thanks to the sheer volume of possession that they've had, there were no issues with getting Pulisic central to play Weah through on goal for the opener. Keep the pressure on and a path to three points is there.
Bale has picked up a yellow card now for his foul on Musah but all eyes will be on McKennie. He was briefly holding his groin with a look of pain but will continue in the match. After being questionable heading into the match, if he's not 100%, I'd expect Berhalter to make a change at the break.
What. A. Finish.
Pulisic found his partner through the middle and the United States have the opener. Sargent brings it down, Pulisic creates, and Weah finishes! PERFECTION.
Pulisic is dumped to the ground by Chris Mepham but the Welsh defender escapes with only a warning. Compared to the challenges by Dest and McKennie, that one deserved a card too.
When Tim Weah is on the ball, something is going to happen. He played an excellent cross to Sargent's head but the layoff to Pulisic didn't amount to anything. If the USMNT are able to keep it up, it will only be a matter of time until they can get past Hennessy in net.
While fouls have been the story so far the United States are creating chances with their advantage in possession. So far they've had 66% of the ball and have done a good job with limiting Gareth Bale's chances.
Not far removed from a knee injury with Fulham, this will be something to watch for the Welsh winger.
Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest have already picked up yellows after being questionable coming into the match. It's a parade of fouls as there have been four fouls compared to only two shots in the first 13 mintues.
That was close as Weah almost forced Rodon into an own goal before Sargent hit a header off the post. The United States are knocking early!
Sergino Dest kicks things off but it's already getting physical between the two teams. The United States did win a free kick but wasted the chance with Pulisic's poor delivery. That will need to improve.
