Wales sought an equalizer against the United States with a new tactical formation after the break.
The duel between the United States and Wales aroused a different expectation for the balance point between the selections.
The USA’s golden generation was ready to decide for one side, while Gareth Bale and the experience of other players in the squad was the tipping point for the Wales team.
However, the main factor of the match was precisely the imbalance. The first half was dominated by the United States team, which circulated the ball with speed and space to build several dangerous moves.
In individual terms, the great highlight was Sergiño Dest, extremely active in the distribution of players, allowing McKennie to occupy a more advanced part of the field.
Before the break, Christian Pulisic opened the scoring with a well-timed move, leaving the United States with a deserved lead against a Wales lost in their 5-3-2 formation, unable to press or counterattack.
However, the situation was completely different in the second half and Wales dominated the United States with high pressure and competing much more, winning duels and advancing in the field.
Gareth Bale had not grown in production and was experiencing a negative match with mistakes in possession and bad finishes. However, a penalty in the final stretch allowed the scorer to be responsible for Wales’ first goal in a World Cup since 1964.
The main triumph for Wales’ success in the second half was the change of tactical formation to 3-4-3, using a double pivot to help Ampadu in the construction. In addition, Kieffer Moore was positioned closer to center forward, leaving James and Johnson at the back.
This result was better for Wales, as the Welsh reversed the situation on the field and the next opponent will be Qatar. Furthermore, if England beats the United States, the English will guarantee the classification.
The large amount of fouls committed by the Americans is a factor that must be worked on for the World Cup sequence, but the impression in the debut was above expectations, in relation to the performance in the first half. Some adjustments could make the United States a competitive team in this World Cup.
