The US dominated nearly all aspects of the game in the first half. They had the majority of possession, were dangerous on the break, and utilized the flanks well.
The first major chance of the game came in the tenth minute. Weah whipped in a cross first-time, hitting Joe Rodon for a near own-goal. Play continued with Antonee Robinson finding Josh Sargent, who hit the post with a header.
The next big chance came from a quick break. Sargent held the ball up nicely for Pulisic, who drove with the ball and played Weah into space. The winger then finished past Hennessy.
Wales made a major second-half substitution: Kieffer Moore for Dan James. Size and hold-up play for speed on the shoulder. It worked.
The Welshmen grew into the second half well, beating the American high press with composure. Moore was a vital target man for the Dragons; they consistently played through him.
At the end of some sustained pressure, Ben Davies’ header forced a strong save from Matt Turner. On the resulting corner, Moore rose to the ball and headed it just high.
18 minutes later, Walker Zimmerman sloppily tackled Bale in the box for a clear penalty. Turner guessed correctly to his left, but Bale had too much power in his left boot for the equalizer.
The US now faces England Friday in a match that is critical for who progresses to the knockout stages.
