GULF PHWOAR!
BALE PENS NEW CHAPTER
GARETH BALE revealed that a “few tactical changes” by manager Rob Page helped Wales find their true character as they came from behind to earn a draw.
Bale (left) once again emerged as the star, scoring a crucial penalty eight minutes from time on their emotional World Cup return after an absence of 64 years.
The Wales skipper, who has hardly played in the MLS this year for Los Angeles FC, showed he remains the man for the big occasion.
He then paid tribute to his team-mates, saying: “It’s an amazing feeling to get off the mark personally, but we would much rather have had the three points.
“It was a great team performance, especially in the second half when we showed that real grit and determination to get back into the game.
“We’re proud of that. We have things to build on and things to work on. We made a few tactical changes at half-time. It
WALES’ history boys fought back from a goal down to secure a point against USA in their first World Cup for 64 years last night – thanks to Gareth Bale’s late penalty.
And if there was a title for the performance it should be: “Viva Gareth Bale” which the Dragons fans belted out after watching their star man level the scores from the spot with just eight minutes remaining.
Wales’ record scorer and captain was isolated and frustrated in the first half, as Wales failed to register a shot, with Timothy Weah putting USA ahead in the 36th minute.
But Wales boss Rob Page, who opted not to start Kieffer Moore, sparked a big turnaround in fortunes by bringing on the target man for the second half. And almost inevitably it was Bale who was once again Wales’ saviour after being fouled by Walker Zimmerman and converting the resulting penalty.
No country had waited as long between a first and second World Cup appearance than Wales. So their lame first half was a major shock and disappointment for Page and the nation’s fans.
Without Joe Allen, who was not fit enough after injuring his hamstring in September with Swansea, Wales failed to get much possession as USA dominated the early stages.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was forced into an early save in the ninth minute when Joe Rodon headed Weah’s cross straight at his own keeper. Then Norwich striker Josh Sargent headed wide moments later at the back post.
With Bale subdued early on, Wales were forced firmly on to the back foot. They initially limited USA to shots from distance like when Sergino Dest blazed over from 30 yards. But gradually the Americans began to stretch Wales more and more as they continued to probe.
Christian Pulisic instigated the move that led to their goal before
Sargent’s header released the Chelsea ace and he cleverly picked out Weah to send the striker clear on goal.
Lille ace Weah produced a composed finish as he dinked an effort with the outside of his foot past Hennessey when the keeper came rushing out.
It was no more than USA merited amid an awful half for Wales, which included a booking for Bale.
Page was desperate to get to halftime to make a change when he brought on Moore. And the striker’s presence and hold-up play enabled Wales to enjoy more possession and get up the pitch.
It helped Wales finally test US keeper Matt Turner in the 65th minute when Ben Davies flung himself at a header which the Arsenal man tipped over one-handed. From the resulting corner, Moore headed just over.
Wales dispensed with caution, taking off defender Neco Williams to throw on forward Brennan Johnson.
The Nottingham Forest attacker played a role in the equaliser with a move down the right which led to Walker going through the back of Bale for a penalty.
The Wales skipper dispatched it with his left-foot high into the corner for his 41st international goal in front of the ecstatic Welsh fans.
Johnson then might have won late on but shot straight at Turner.
Now Wales must get their performance right from the start for their matinee against Iran on Friday lunchtime in Qatar, with victory likely to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the last 16.