Cymru play Croatia in Wrexham on 05/04

USA vs. Cymru | 2022 FIFA World Cup – Final Tournament Group Stage – Group B

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      Live ReportMatch Summary

      1. Cymru captain Gareth Bale dominates the front and back pages across the country this morning after his penalty earned his side a share of the points against the United States at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

      2. “It’s massive. We were fully-focussed on this game and not looking any further. It wasn’t a good first half to be honest, they played really well and we played poor, but it was a great talk by the gaffer at half-time to change a few things around and the boys came out fighting and battling like we always do. It was a great point from where we were, we regrouped and showed character and our second half was fantastic.” – Gareth Bale to ITV Sport.

      3. “We showed character and determination to come back and get a point out of the game. It’s important at the start of a tournament that you don’t lose, so credit to the lads for the shift they put in to get that point. The medical team have quite a bit of work to do and a big job to get us all ready for Friday. To see the Red Wall there and all the supporters enjoying it, it’s incredible.” – Cymru manager Rob Page to ITV Sport.

      4. Full-time verdict: A game of two halves as Cymru respond to a tough opening half by making a key change with the introduction of Kieffer Moore. Who else but Gareth Bale to score the equaliser from the penalty spot. A fair share of the points in the end and both team will know that it’s still all to play for in Group B.

      5. Ethan Ampadu unable to continue is replaced by Joe Morrell.

      6. Yellow card

        ACOSTA Kellyn

      7. Substitution

        MORRELL Joseff replaces AMPADU Ethan

      8. Substitution

        THOMAS Sorba replaces WILSON Harry

      9. Substitution

        MORRIS Jordan replaces WEAH Timothy

      10. Penalty

        BALE Gareth

      11. Gareth Bale from the spot. The first Cymru player to score at the World Cup since Terry Medwin in 1958. Was it ever going to be anybody else?

      12. Substitution

        JOHNSON Brennan replaces WILLIAMS Neco

      13. Substitution

        YEDLIN Deandre replaces DEST Sergiño

      14. Substitution

        ACOSTA Kellyn replaces MUSAH Yunus

      15. Substitution

        WRIGHT Haji replaces SARGENT Joshua

      16. Two great chances for Cymru as Ben Davies and Kieffer Moore both come close. It’s vital that the side do not lose this attacking impetus as the United States look to make multiple changes with their lead in a precarious position.

      17. Substitution

        AARONSON Brenden replaces MCKENNIE Weston

      18. United States looking increasingly rattled as Cymru push with purpose for an equaliser. This is more like the team that achieved qualification.

      19. Cymru attacking the Red Wall in the second half. A wall of red shirts and bucket hats.

      20. Cymru enjoying longer periods of possession and it’s clear that the introduction of Kieffer Moore was not the only tactical tweak at half-time. Neco Williams has pushed much further forward, and with the towering striker now floating around the United States area, one cross could make all the difference.

      21. Yellow card

        REAM Tim

      22. A positive start from Cymru with Kieffer Moore offering a more physical presence in attack. Dan James’ qualities are very different but are equally effective at the right time, but Rob Page has made a big decision with this particular roll of the dice.

      23. Kieffer Moore replaces Dan James for the start of the second half. A bold but necessary move by Rob Page and he will be hoping for an immediate change having watched his side struggle for long periods so far.

      24. Substitution

        MOORE Kieffer replaces JAMES Daniel

      25. Yellow card

        MEPHAM Christopher

      26. Half-time verdict: A difficult opening half for Cymru as the United States take a deserved 1-0 lead into the break. Timothy Weah with the goal but it’s Christian Pulisic who has been pulling the strings for Greg Berhalter’s team. Rob Page will need to make some tactical changes during the interval to get his side on the ball in the attacking third, and he will know that he has players in his squad who can take control of the game and turn things around.

      27. Half-Time

      28. Yellow card

        BALE Gareth

      29. It’s been coming. Timothy Weah opens the scoring following a strong run and quality pass from the influential and impressive Christian Pulisic. Cymru have defended solidly until now, but will need to push forward now to show some sort of response.

      30. Goal

        WEAH Timothy

      31. First signs of some positivity for Cymru after what has been a difficult start with Aaron Ramsey starting to dictate more of the play in midfield. The space that Christian Pulisic is enjoying for the United States will still be a major concern for Rob Page.

      32. Yellow card

        MCKENNIE Weston

      33. A yellow card for Sergiño Dest for a late tackle on Neco Williams. Cymru really need to keep the ball for longer periods and regain some composure after what has been a very testing start to the match.

      34. Yellow card

        DEST Sergiño

      35. Christian Pulisic causing some early problems for Cymru as the United States force the early pressure. No surprises in how Rob Page’s team have lined-up but he will be concerned about how dominant the United States have been in these opening exchanges.

      36. Cymru Match Lineup

      37. Almost time for the anthems. This will be a special moment for the Red Wall in attendance at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, but also for all those Cymru fans at home and around the world who have waited so long for this dream to become a reality.

      38. Gareth Bale captains Cymru tonight on his 109th international appearance, moving him level with Chris Gunter. The all-time leading goalscorer will be desperate to add to his 40 goals tonight and ensure his side celebrate the end of a 64-year wait to compete on the world stage.

      39. Rob Page was also on media duty yesterday and explained the absence of midfielder Joe Allen. “We said from the start that we’re going to give him every chance that we can to play that first game,” explained the Cymru manager. “We could have pushed him but if he breaks down then he’s out of the tournament. Risk over reward. We’re not going to push him to the point of losing him. There’s no pressure on us, we’re going to enjoy it and we’re going to compete. We’ve earned the right to be here and I want to show the world how good we are.”

      40. Cymru captain Gareth Bale explained yesterday what it means for Cymru to be competing on the world stage. “It’s an incredible feeling,” said Bale to the media. “The atmosphere is great. We’re in a good spot and really looking forward to the game. When we’re in that type of mood we normally give our best stuff. I’m right where I want to be. I’m ready to go. We’ve all been training hard in the last week and adapting to the heat and time zones. We have no excuses now. It’s game time and that’s hopefully where we can step up and deliver what needs to be delivered.”

      41. United States Head Coach Greg Berhalter spoke to the media yesterday about the qualities of Cymru ahead of their opening Group B match. “It’s a good team,” he explained. “I think they’re underrated. They have international competition experience, a solid backline, robust players, talent, difference-makers up top with Bale, James and Moore. They have a solid midfield and wing-backs that get forward. Overall, I think it’s a really solid team, so for us the starting point is just matching their intensity and coming with a competitive mindset because we know that’ll be needed in the match.”

      42. Cymru defender Chris Mepham spoke to BBC Sport Wales last week and reflected on his professional football journey. “Eight, nine years ago I was playing Sunday league,” said Mepham. “Fast-forward to now and suddenly you’re part of a World Cup squad. Of course, there’s been a few bumps along the way, but ultimately I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I definitely want more of that.” Click here for the full story

      43. Midfielder Joe Allen will miss the opening match against the United States this evening as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of club action since September. Manager Rob Page confirmed in his press conference yesterday that while Allen is close to a return it would be too much of a risk for him to feature this early in the tournament.

      44. The wait is almost over! Cymru are preparing to take to the world stage for the first time since 1958. Tonight, captain Gareth Bale will lead his team out onto the field with the world watching as Cymru take on the United States at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Team news to follow very soon and stay with us throughout the evening for live updates, opinion and analysis as well as all the post-match reaction. C’mon Cymru!

      45. There is no live report available for this match

      Lineups

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        Substitutes

          Starting

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              Table

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              Match Info

              Stadium

              Date & Time

              Referee

              Fourth Official

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