In the fourth group stage game of the 2022 World Cup, the USA and Wales battled against each other to gain an early advantage of qualification to the later round.
USA are back in the tournament after missing out on the last edition while it is more historical for Wales to return to the competition after 64 years of wait.
USA vs WAL Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 22 November 2022
Time: 00:30 (IST)
Venue: Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
USA vs WAL Match Preview
Following the heartbreak of the Panama defeat on the final day of qualification that put them out of contention in 2018, USA are back on the stage they wish to grace every time. Carrying a young and vibrant squad this time, Gregg Berhalter’s side wants to replicate their performance of the 2014 edition, when they were in the showpiece, in reaching the last 16 stages or make it better. A favourable group would have increased the probability but paired with Wales, Iran and England seem to be a mammoth task to unfold. Also, the team’s qualification has not been fulfilling to the supporters with only the goal difference separating them from Costa Rica, in the playoff spot, at the end while lagging behind Mexico and now Canada. The preparation for the tournament in Qatar has been full of up and down with highs like drawing against Uruguay and lows like the stalemate against Saudi Arabia. USA’s inexperience in playing in the World Cup in the squad will be a big test and without a formidable striker, all responsibility falls on Christian Pulisic’s shoulders to deliver. With England bustling around for the top spot, the Yanks will face some stiff competition from the other two to gain the second spot which will take them through. Their tournament opener is against Wales whom they had placed twice in the past and have not won a single meeting between them. The aim is to make that correct but they haven’t won against European opposition in the World Cup in the previous nine attempts. A disappointing record that could be detrimental if the side doesn’t show the potential the squad carries in the tournament.
When Gareth Bale’s free-kick got inadvertently turned into his own net by Ukrainian Andriy Yarmalenko in the playoff final and Wayne Hennessey pulled out a magical performance in the sticks, Welsh fans knew where they were heading to. After 15 editions, Wales will be making it to the pinnacle of international football competition for only the second time in their history. The protagonist of their success, Bale will be the player again to make a steady impact just as he did for the Euro 2016 in Wales’s first-ever major competition. He has rarely been offered a start for the MLS side Los Angeles FC but has thrived in defining moments. The 33-year-old is ready to produce his mentality of being a performer on big occasions. The mastermind of their excellent rise, Rob page deservedly got the permanent job role and he with Bale will like to make a long run in the tournament. The group could potentially create an obstacle for their ambition and their first match at the World Cup since 1958. Facing an equally inexperienced and talented USA squad, Wales simply does not know which way the pendulum will swing in the match. They have not had a great Nations League campaign finishing bottom of their group containing Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Although, USA are not quite the same proportion but could be tricky. They will be using the same counter-attacking strategy as that of Wales so Rob Page’s men can be forced to maintain possession of the ball and be careful with it. The Dragons are hoping to gain the upper hand in the first World Cup meet with the North American nation.
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Recent Form
USA: DLDWD
WAL: LLLDL
USA vs WAL Team News
USA have midfielder Luca de la Torre doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Other than that, they are no injury concerns. There has been competition for the right-back spot but Serginio Dest seems likely to start over Joe Scally and DeAndre Yedlin, the only player with World Cup experience in the squad. Coach Gregg Berhalter decided against including goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the squad for his downward form and calling up Stefan Ortega instead. In any case, Matt Turner will start in goal despite not being offered desired minutes at Arsenal. Weston McKennie has not featured for Juventus since October but he should be fit in time to feature from the start in midfield. Jesus Ferreira is a likeable option upfront despite Haji Wright having the most goals among forwards in the club level. His lack of experience with the national team could be a factor here.
Uplifting news for Wales is their star man Gareth Bale last week has declared himself hundred per cent fit for the tournament. Midfielder Joe Allen is also seemingly fit for the opener after his injury in September but most likely will start from the bench. Defender Rhys Norrington-Davies has been ruled out of the competition due to an injury he sustained with Coventry City. Head coach Rob Page hopes to keep his side on the front foot in the game they desperately want a positive result but is unhappy to compromise on the team’s solidity. Hence, the three at the back should remain untouched. Kieffer Moore is an important figure in the striker position helping to hold the ball, getting on the end of crosses and also bringing dynamism to the play. So, the plan is set.
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USA vs WAL Predicted Lineups
USA: Matt Turner; Serginio Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Adam Long, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Brendan Aaronson; Giovanni Reyna, Jesus Ferreira, Christian Pulisic
WAL: Wayne Hennessey; Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies; Connor Roberts, Aaron Ramsey, Ethan Ampadu, Nico Williams; Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Daniel James
USA vs WAL Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Hennessey (8)
DEF: N Williams (8), Zimmerman (7.5), Mepham (8), Davies (9)
MID: Wilson (8), Mckennie (8.5), Adams (8), Reyna (8)
FW: Pulisic (9), Bale (9)
Vice-captain: Christian Pulisic
Captain: Gareth Bale
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