Follow live: Weah, USA break through to grab lead over Wales
The United States men’s national team begins its 11th World Cup appearance against Wales in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The U.S. and Wales are in Group B along with England and Iran.
In its last two World Cup appearances, the U.S. advanced to the round of 16. However, a group featuring multiple UEFA sides might not bode well for the U.S. The USMNT has won just three of 21 World Cup matches against European competition.
That has not dulled the confidence of USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter.
“What I do believe is that on our best day we can beat anyone in the world,” he told ESPN’s Sam Borden. “Anyone.”
Whatever the result, youth will lead the way. Defender DeAndre Yedlin is the lone World Cup veteran after the right back made his World Cup debut as a 20-year-old in 2014. After Yedlin’s 75 caps, the most experienced players on the roster are Kellyn Acosta (53), Christian Pulisic (52), Jordan Morris (49) and Tim Ream (46).
And yet, Yedlin’s experience is more than the Welsh can counter with. Wales is making its first appearance in the World Cup in 64 years. However, Wales have Gareth Bale, whose illustrious pro career includes five UEFA Champions League titles and three UEFA Super Cup wins while at Real Madrid.
Here are the best moments as the USMNT and Wales face off in Group B action:
Thoughts at the half: Weah the difference as yellow cards fly
The USMNT have had their foot on the gas pedal throughout the first half. Tim Weah’s goal is the difference against a Wales side that has yet to have a clear attacking chance in the first 45 minutes.
Weah nearly had the U.S. up in the first 10 minutes when his cross into the box bounced off a Wales defender that came close to being an own-goal, if not for the clutch save by keeper Wayne Hennessey. But Weah made no question about it in the 36th minute with his finish, giving the USMNT their first World Cup goal in eight years.
Both managers will now to be careful as several key players were booked with yellow cards. With Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie now each with a yellow, expect Gregg Berhalter to sub them out at the some point in the second. Could wee Brendan Aaronson or Giovanni Reyna come in after the break?
As for Wales, two late bookings for Gareth Bale and Chris Mepham may have Rob Page looking at his bench.
Wondergoal from Weah!
Tim Weah gets USMNT on the board by streaking past Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey after latching on to a beautiful throughball from Christian Pulisic down the middle of the pitch.
THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD ????????????????????????
TIM WEAH PUTS USA ON TOP pic.twitter.com/vinlFUxWGZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
The son of AC Milan legend and Liberia president George Weah, the Lille winger has had the USMNT knocking on the door throughout the first half.
Fans out in force
Sparse attendance is becoming an emerging issue at the World Cup, with some fans even having trouble just getting access to the venues. But supporters for both these sides are making their presence felt.
The Eagle has landed (with the help of Wonder Woman) in Qatar.
Amazing scenes as the Wales fans in the stands belted out a stirring rendition of their national anthem.
Youth movement
Along with the youngest USMNT World Cup captain ever in Tyler Adams, we’ve have the youngest lineup ever for the squad at the tournament, averaging at just over 25 years old. Yunus Musah, who played for England’s youth teams before switching to the U.S., is the youngest at 19 years old.
The oldest for the squad? Tim Ream, who at 35 years old, hasn’t made start for the U.S. in over a year. The Fulham defender will be the steady veteran presence in the backfield. DeAndre Yedlin, 29, is the lone holdover from the 2014 team.
Lineups are out!
The starting XI for the USMNT is out — their first since losing to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup in the Round of 16. Since then, the USMNT has seen the emergence of so many new faces and exciting new talent, led by Christian Pulisic.
Tyler Adams wears the captain’s armband for the USMNT (the youngest ever at a World Cup to don it at 23 years old). A surprise start for Joshua Sargent up top as striker, and we’ll see how much Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest can contribute as they’ve been hampered by injuries.
Here we go. ????????
Full Lineup Notes » https://t.co/DvhSXPvqRy#USMNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/V8VpU1oBMG
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 21, 2022
If you think it’s been awhile since the USMNT played in a World Cup, Wales hasn’t been to the big show since 1958. There are several star playmakers to keep an eye on, obviously starting with captain Gareth Bale. Others to note will be Daniel James and Aaron Ramsey, both with plenty of big game experience.
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HANES! CWPAN Y BYD! #ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/IGtOt7HJsL
— Wales ???????????????????????????? (@Cymru) November 21, 2022
Let’s hear it for the home team
Family members of every player sent their well wishes to the USMNT ahead of its first match of group play.
24 hours from the biggest moment of their lives, the families of all 26 #USMNT players send a heartfelt ‘good luck’ from back home ❤️???????????? pic.twitter.com/sh8fLRQtsP
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 20, 2022