Wales left it late to earn a point against the United States in their first World Cup finals match since 1958.
The Stars and Stripes dominated the Dragons in the first half, but the second-half introduction of Kieffer Moore changed the complexion of the evening and his contributions were vital towards clawing back a draw.
After a cagey opening, the USA twice came close to going in front after nine minutes. First, Joe Rodon’s powerful header towards his own net cannoned off goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, before Josh Sargent headed wide from a delicious Tim Weah cross seconds later.
36 minutes into a drab affair, the USA deservedly went in front through. A Wales goal kick came back the other way when Yunus Musah beat Ethan Ampadu to a loose ball and Christian Pulisic raced into the space vacated by an advancing Joe Rodon, slipping in Weah to poke past Hennessey.
Wales’ only real first-half foray saw Ben Davies head quite a fair way wide from a Harry Wilson corner as Rob Page’s side went into the break behind.
Moore replaced Dan James for the start of the second half and the Dragons immediately showed more aggression, with Matt Turner nearly dropping a corner onto Chris Mepham’s head from another corner.
Another header from Davies, this time following a Wilson free-kick foced Turner into his first save, while Moore’s effort from the following corner went just over the top as Wales up the ante.
With ten minutes remaining, Wales were awarded a penalty when Walker Zimmerman went through the back of Gareth Bale, and the LAFC forward smashed his spot kick into the top corner.
Substitute Brennan Johnson, whose quick thinking from a throw led to the penalty, brought a smart save out of Turner after lashing at shot him on the counter in the final minutes of normal time.
The match came to an end after over ten minutes of stoppage time, with the two sides now sitting in second and third heading into the second matchday. USA next face England, while Wales take on Iran.
GK: Matt Turner – 6/10 – Didn’t have too much to do but still nearly made a meal of a corner. Made a couple of decent saves late on.
RB: Sergino Dest – 5/10 – Failed to contribute much at either end.
CB: Walker Zimmerman – 3/10 – Imperious for the most part until he slid right through Bale for no reason.
CB: Tim Ream – 6/10 – Excellent for the most part, though was booked for a rather cynical foul.
LB: Antonee Robinson – 6/10 – Galloped up and down the left flank…
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