Weah goal helps secure point for U.S. against Wales

MIAMI, Florida – A first half goal from Timothy Weah helped the United States secure a 1-1 draw with Wales in their opening match of Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Monday night at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Weah struck with an excellent finish shortly after the half-hour mark, only to see Welsh superstar Gareth Bale find a late equalizer via the penalty spot.

The U.S. had the first chances of the match, first on a deep cross from Weah that almost led to a Wales own goal, followed by a Josh Sargent effort that flashed wide.

It was a tight first half played out by the two sides, but the U.S. were able to break things open in the 36’ on a break in which Christian Pulisic fed a pass into Weah, whose composed finish handed the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

Wales came out strong to start the second half in their search for an equalizer, pegging the U.S. back in their own half.

U.S. GK Matt Turner did not have to deal with a serious threat until the 64’ when he had to make a reaction save to keep the U.S. lead intact, followed a minute later by a Wales header that just missed over the crossbar.

The pressure from Wales continued and it paid off with a penalty in the 81’ after Bale was fouled in the U.S. area. A minute later, the Los Angeles FC man stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to bring Wales level 1-1.

Each side were keen to find a winning goal in the waning minutes, but a second goal was not on the docket for either, as the teams settled for a share of the points.