Bale shoots Wales from the penalty spot in the final stage after the United States

The United States and Wales started the World Cup tied. At Ahmed Ben Ali Stadium, the United States led 1-0 for a long time, but Gareth Bale, who plays in the MLS, scored the equalizing goal eight minutes before the end from the penalty spot.

In the United States, former Ajax player Serginho Dest, among others, was in the starting line-up. And he saw his team almost take the lead in the ninth minute through an unfortunate header from Welsh defender Joe Rodon towards his own goal. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy was in the right spot and got the ball hard on his chest.

Not long after, Wales fans were shocked again when American striker Josh Sargent showed he had a powerful header. Hennessey did not have to make a save this time, as the ball hit the post.

The USA had the better of the game in the first half, which was capped off by a goal from Timothy Weah in the 36th minute. After an assist from Christian Pulisic, the son of Liberia’s president and former footballer George Weah made it 1-0.

Wells had a mediocre first half. American goalkeeper Matt Turner, who has been under contract with Arsenal since last summer, was not tested in the first 45 minutes.

Coach Rob Page’s team increased slightly after the end of the first half and searched aggressively for striker Bale. The Americans had to defend further, and in the 64th minute Ben Davies came close to equalizing. But goalkeeper Turner managed to get his hand behind the ball.

Kiefer Moore managed to head towards goal from the ensuing corner kick. Turner was wrong this time, but substitute Moore’s effort flew over the bar. The United States, having only one player selection with World Cup experience with substitute DeAndre Yedlin, didn’t create many chances.

The USA seemed to hold up defensively, but with eight minutes of regular playing time left, it still missed. Referee Abdul Rahman Al Jassim firmly pointed to the penalty spot after a mistake by Walker Zimmerman. Bale got behind the ball and shot flawlessly: 1-1. Turner didn’t stand a chance.

For Wales, it was their first World Cup match after a 64-year absence. In 1958, the country appeared for the first time – and this year – in the World Final tournament. Wales was eliminated by Brazil in the quarter-finals. Top scorer: 17-year-old Pele.

In the years that followed, the Welsh could no longer qualify, even the qualifying series for the World Cup in Qatar. This made Wales the country with the longest interval between two participations in the World Cup. Egypt and Norway were absent for 56 years.

The last World Cup in which the United States participated was the 2014 edition. Then the second round was the final destination for the Americans. The Belgians were very powerful at that time.