AL RAYYAN, Qatar — The United States had victory on its hands. Everything was worked out. The effort to contain Gareth Bale and the attack of the European rival would go perfectly. The mission was what they asked for: three points here, beating the English game and a good performance against Iran sends you into the round.
It was not until suddenly.
Clearly: US 1, Wales 1 is not a disaster. No tragedy. As Tim Weah said, “In the World Cup, the most important thing is that we don’t lose.” But what happened in the USA on Monday night reminded me of that old Mike Tyson, when he answered a question about whether he was worried about what plan Evander Holyfield might have for him in his next fight.
“Everybody has a plan,” Tyson said, “until we get punched in the mouth.” His plans, and those of his optimistic supporters, were completely suspended on Monday. They will almost certainly need four points to get out of Group B and, barring an upset win over England, the US now faces the prospect of a winless draw with Iran to close out group play.
Is it possible? Of course, especially if the US can play like they did in the first half against Wales. For about an hour, the Americans showed the rock and presence that belied their collective incompetence. Anthony Robinson and Christian Pulisic were on fire on the left side. Tyler Adams played well again. Weah and Sergino Dest up and down the right side. Josh Sargent’s hard head moved forward.
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It was also an idyllic setting for the United States of America. Walker Zimmerman started to move the pass, and the course of Pulisic, one of the few trips in the middle of the field in the USA, opened Wales. The rolling ball towards Weah was perfect and his finish was unmistakable when the Lille player turned to his left and let loose in a famous slide. The United States seemed to be in control. Boat in Wales.
But then comes the downside. In the middle days, Gregg Berhalter was asked to leave the USA. To the custodian. In order to prepare for the inevitable upset, Wales was determined to lead the way.
“We know there will be a time when Wales will change its plans and drop the guarantee,” Berhalter said. “We know that part is going to happen.”
Was. And for the most part they handled it well. After the introduction of Kieffer Moore, Wales were moved forward, and the USA, intentionally or not, fell further behind the ball. When Bale finally got the ball in the penalty area with 10 minutes remaining and Zimmerman lunged badly at the back, Wales saw a small opening and went through.
1, 19;to play
USA and Wales split points in Qatar 2022 debut
He gave the United States a chance to win on his debut, conceding an 83rd-minute penalty that Gareth Bale converted for an equaliser.
“We talked about it before the game, all the game stuff,” Berhalter said. “Any play in the game can have an outcome.”
This is certainly true. Matt Turner, who did so little in the first half that the internet memes were circulating, showing him drinking tea in his penalty area, dove right to the left, but Bale’s penalty was clear. The ball went into the net, Turner threw his hands to the ground in frustration and, near the halfway line, the heroes of Pulisic and Weah appeared to be Welsh fans dancing behind the goal.
This American team is young. Everyone on the roster except DeAndre Yedlin has now been involved in exactly one World Cup game. A large part of this team has never been remotely similar in any situation.
Earlier this week, Adams, the team leader, said that “pressure is a privilege.” After Monday, the pressure rises even more. Team USA had big plans to turn a precocious talent pool into a prodigy. They played the first part in Wales the way they wanted, and everything went according to plan.
Then we are attacked in the mouth. Now the only question is this: How do they answer? We will see.
