Gareth Bale scored a late equalizer from the penalty spot to help Wales produce one of the close football results of the midweek action in the World Cup. Following Timothy Weah’s first-half goal, the Welsh were doomed to lose in their first tournament appearance in 64 years. However, their talisman Bale triumphed and converted the penalty kick to give them a crucial Group B point. On Friday morning, they take on Iran, while the USA plays Group B leaders England in the evening. Gareth Southgate’s team defeated the USA 6-2 on Monday.
The USA dominated the opening minutes and had a chance to take the lead on minute nine when Joe Rodon accidentally headed toward his own goal, but Wayne Hennessey saved it. Josh Sargent then nodded against the post immediately after. The breakthrough occurred after 36 minutes when Weah skillfully stabbed the ball past Hennessey and into the bottom corner after Christian Pulisic found room to sneak a pass in behind for him. At halftime, manager Rob Page substituted Kieffer Moore for the ineffective Dan James because Wales had been outclassed in the first half.
On the 65th minute, the Bournemouth striker could have equalized for Wales as he climbed at the near post from a corner, but he managed to head over the goal despite having it at his disposal. But they did manage to equalize with eight minutes left. Bale positioned himself in front of Walker Zimmerman in the penalty area to force a foul and earn a penalty, then stepped up to slam the ball past Matt Turner.
For more football results, click here
