By sweeping Iran 6-2, England had set the bar very high on Monday at the opening of Group B. And sent a big message to its two main competitors for qualification in the round of 16, the United States and Wales, who clashed a few hours later.
Not qualified for the Russian World Cup, the Americans had assets to put forward, carried by an ultra-promising young generation. But faced with the experience of old Welsh rogues, Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey in the lead, Gregg Berhalter’s players have measured the path they still have to go to figure well on the world stage, they who regularly float in the Concacaf zone ( North and Central America). Held in check 1-1 in the Ahmed-Ben Ali enclosure of Al-Rayyan, Team USA especially has something to blame.
Page’s coaching, the turning point of the match
Because the plan of the partners of Christian Pulisic, main star and face of the American selection, had worked perfectly in the first period, where the Welsh will never have seen the light of day. Rewarded by the nice goal of Lille’s Timothy Weah, after a formidable counter (1-0, 36th), the Americans thought they were going to experience a first quiet outing in Qatar against Wales, who participated in their first World Cup since 1958.
But the coaching operated by Rob Page at the break transformed his team, finally able to cross the center line with the ball thanks to a new fulcrum in front, Kieffer Moore. And Wales, which is surfing on the most beautiful sporting period in its history with the last two convincing Euros (2016 and 2021), then proved that it should not be buried too quickly. Well helped by the clumsiness of Walker Zimmerman and the malice of Gareth Bale, the Dragons ended up getting a penalty, converted by the indestructible former Real Madrid striker (1-1, 82nd), five Champions League on the clock. Today at Los Angeles FC, Bale played a nasty trick on the Americans who play for many like him in MLS.
Americans and Welsh came out of this bitter duel on the kneecaps, completely exhausted and after still insane additional time at the start of the tournament (+ 10 minutes). An end to the meeting at the end of the night which must have delighted the Three Lions, who alone occupy the head of their group at the end of this stunning first day.