Honours even as Bale strikes to snub USA threat.

Gareth Bale struck a second half penalty for Wales in a dramatic tie in Qatar

The game took place in the fabulous surroundings of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Doah, Qatar. Both sets of fans in the 43,000 plus crowd created a tremendous atmosphere as Wales began their first World Cup finals game since 1958.

Manager Robert Page chose to start with veteran Wayne Hennessey in goal over Danny Ward. Dan James and Gareth Bale began up top – skipper Bale unable to wear the rainbow skipper’s armband following FIFA instructions.

USA began with Matt Turner of Arsenal in goal. Tyler Adams of Leeds captained Gregg Berhalter’s side.

USA almost took a stunning lead when a header from Wales defender Joe Rodon was somehow kept out by Hennessey on the Welsh line from a deflected Tim Weah cross.

Up to then Wales had resisted the US pressure with determination. Sergino Dest saw an early yellow card for clattering into Neco Williams as a lively game began to unfold. Juve’s  Weston McKennie soon followed for a similar offence.

The Italians were in the action in the early stages – Ethan Ampadu (who turns out for Spezia Calcio putting the first Welsh shot over the bar.

Ampadu Was putting in a strong display in the middle of the park. Williams also caught the eye at full back. Ben Davies of Spurs was composed as US began to look the more dangerous side. Antonee Robinson, Timothy Weare and Christian Pulisic often spaces. Dest pressed forward at every opportunity.

It was Weah who drew first blood on 36 minutes, prodding the ball past Hennessey with precision after the US had carved open the Welsh defence.

Bale was booked on 39 minutes for a foul as the Welsh struggled to make an impact on the game.

Harry Wilson sent over a corner as half time beckoned but it offered little consternation for the Americans. Chris Mepham was booked as a difficult first half ended for the Welsh.

Page replaced James with Kieffer for the second half and the big Bournemouth striker seemed to give Wales extra zip. Bale was stopped by Tim Ream as he looked able to run clear. A yellow card for the Fulham man.

This was a much more enterprising display from Wales as the action occupied the USA defenders for the first spell in the game. Moore had given Wales a focal point. His countrymen responded.

Davies brought an excellent save from Turner who tipped over the Tottenham man’s header. From the corner, Moore headed narrowly astray as Wales were unrecognisable in the second half.

As long as the US held the lead though, the game was finely poised. The Welsh fans belted out the anthem to inspire their boys.

Ramsey and Bale were far more prominent in the second half but still couldn’t quite seize hold of the game.

The USA had regained their composure following that little purple patch after the break, and slowly began to run the game again. Three substitutions came on 74 minutes from Berhalter.

Page replaced Neco Williams with Brennan Johnson. Williams looked hurt at the decision. He had done well.

With 10 minutes to go though, penalty! Bale sent down in the box. The Welsh skipper crashed the kick home to spark wild scenes.

It was Welsh voices which filled the air now as the Land of Song came to Qatar.

Johnson blasted straight at Turner following a neat flick form Moore late on.

Ampadu pulled up in agony as we began a whopping nine minutes of added time.

Bodies were tumbling all around now as Joe Morrell replaced Ampadu.

Mayhem in the final minutes as Bale was sent to the deck with the keeper stranded but this had been the ultimate game of two halves. Wales ended the game happy with a point after 64 years in the World Cup wilderness.

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