Wales and the United States of America were inseparable in their first group stage game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup group on Monday as both sides played out a 1-1 draw.

The United States of America was returning to the World Cup after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia, while Wales is returning after a 64-year absence.

However, the young and vibrant United States of America team ran riot in the first half, dominating the Europeans and leading through Timothy Weah, who scored from a lovely Christian Pulisic pass.

However, the tide changed in the second half as Wales stepped up and went close to equalising, only to be denied by USA’s Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner on a couple of occasions.

There was a way back for the Brits, who scored from the penalty spot with few minutes left to play thanks to former Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale.

After the final whistle, Gareth Bale explained that he was confident about scoring from the spot and being the penalty taker for the team and said a point is a good result for the team.

“You are going to have a little bit of nerves, for sure, but I am confident in my own ability. I am the penalty taker. I have to take the responsibility. One thing I know about this team is that we never give up. We keep fighting, and we always find a way. It’s a good point in the end, and we try to build on that performance.” Bale said.

Meanwhile, Wales will face Iran in their next group-stage match on Friday. The Asians lost to England 6-2 earlier on Monday, while the USA will play against the Three Lions on the same day.

Daniel Ademiju Idow