A penalty saves Bale and Wales

Wales' long wait did not lead to a bold gamble but it did have a happy ending.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
21 November 2022 Monday 14:32
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A penalty saves Bale and Wales

Wales' long wait did not lead to a bold gamble but it did have a happy ending. All the emotion of being able to sing the Land of my parents in a 64-year-old World Cup quickly evaporated and reappeared with ecstasy after Gareth Bale's equalizing goal... from a penalty. The veteran striker took advantage of the inexperienced United States, better throughout the game but did not close the scoring after Timothy Weah's goal and let Wales surprise them at the end.

If Bale has shown anything in his career, in addition to his love for his country and golf, it is being a man of decisive goals. He confirmed it at Barça (at Mestalla), Atlético and Liverpool (in both Champions League finals) and even Ukraine, in the last play-off game to be in Qatar. Now they also know it in the United States.

Because the dragons dedicated themselves to waiting and joining in defense. They did not arrive at their best moment. In fact, they have not won since the match against Ukraine in the duel that brought them from Qatar. The inclusion of Ampadu in midfield in place of Joe Allen was a statement of intent. In return, the ball did not last long before the pressure, mobility and dynamism of the Americans.

Failing and not qualifying for the last World Cup (after seven consecutive appearances), was a step back to take two steps forward for the US The federation got its act together with a project for the future. Last year they won the Gold Cup. This one returned to the big event with a new generation. Only one of the starters, center back Zimmerman, plays in the MLS, the six forward midfield players were under 24 years old.

The impulse of youth was not long in imposing itself. Weah, who plays for Lille, created the first chance with a cross-kick that was poisoned. Sargent immediately finished off the post. And Pulisic, the Chelsea winger, made a great move up the middle to assist George Weah's son, who finished perfectly in the run.

The rough football of Wales increased with the entry of a tank striker like Moore. Davies and Moore headshots came from above. Until Bale finally appeared. The ex-madridista hadn't hit anything but he shot ex officio to win the position against Zimmerman and cause the defender to run over him. Bale, who at the beginning of the month was proclaimed MLS champion with Los Angeles FC after scoring in extra time and taking the game to penalties, has taken the measure of the Americans.