Tim Weah scored in the first-half to cancel out by Gareth Bale’s penalty shot in the 82nd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw between Wales and the US on the first day of their respective World Cups.
Weah, the son of current Liberian President and former FIFA Player of the Year George Weah, scored in the 36th minute thanks to a ball from Christian Pulisic.
In his 41st goal in 109 international games, Bale sent his shot to the left of goalkeeper Matt Turner’s extended arm, saving a point for Wales in their first World Cup game since 1958.
The next game for the United States is against England on Friday, the same day that Wales plays Iran. Earlier on Monday, England defeated the Iranians 6-2 to start the match.
The move that resulted in the goal was made by Pulisic, the best American player and one of the few survivors from the qualification disaster in 2017. Weah broke in front of Neco Williams by perfectly timing his run as Pulisic passed in front of him.
Weah scored his fourth goal in 26 international appearances by using the side of his right foot to nudge the ball over Wayne Hennessey‘s sliding left thigh.
Weah slid on both knees as he ran with his arms out toward the American supporters. He was surrounded by his teammates before raising both of his hands in the air and kissing the sky.
George Weah, who had never participated in a World Cup, intended to attend. One end of the lower bowl was filled with thousands of Red Wall supporters who sang the entire time.
The Americans started a record 10 players from European teams in the 750th international game in American history, with just Zimmerman representing Major League Soccer. The only American with World Cup experience came in in the 74th minute and was DeAndre Yedlin.
In the 10th minute, Josh Sargent nearly gave the Americans the lead when he headed Antonee Robinson’s cross just wide of the post.
