USA vs Wales: Wales look to make their mark on World Cup return
After 64 years swinging violently between heart-breaking near misses and abject qualification failure, Wales make their return to the World Cup tomorrow night as they take on Group B rivals USA in Al Rayyan.
The emotion associated with previous attempts to qualify, particularly a Paul Bodin penalty miss against Romania in 1993 when a win would have secured a place at USA 1994, means that it will be a significant evening regardless of the outcome.
However, with this likely to be a first and final World Cup appearance for some of the stars of Wales’ recent success, Rob Page’s men are by no means going to Qatar to make up the numbers.
Qualification was secured after overcoming Austria and then Ukraine in play-off matches earlier this year, meaning the Welsh have now made it to three of the last four major tournaments on offer after last appearing at a World Cup in 1958.
This improvement in fortunes has coincided with the maturing of a generation of players that may never be matched. The side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 was heavily inspired by Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale being at the peak of their powers, and both will be hoping to make the most of their time in Qatar if it is to be their swansong.
Midfield lynchpin Joe Allen is another who has impressed throughout this golden age of Welsh football. The Swansea City man has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game having not played since the middle of September, and given his influence on this Wales side over the past decade he will surely be a big miss.
Allen’s absence could be particularly impactful given one of the major strengths of Monday night’s opponents.
Even if there is uncertainty surrounding who will lead the attack for the USA, as well as who will partner Walker Zimmerman in central defence, a midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah has the energy and enthusiasm to exploit any gaps in the middle of the park.
The Adams-McKennie-Musah triumvirate is one of the few areas of assurance regarding the USMNT as a whole though.
Gregg Berhalter’s side arrive in Qatar with questions surrounding them after making hard work of getting through the CONCACAF qualification process.
Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup, the US finished behind both Canada and Mexico in the final qualifying phase, and only avoided an intercontinental playoff courtesy of goal difference.
A defeat to Japan and a draw against Saudi Arabia in September’s pre-tournament friendlies have done little to inspire confidence in Berhalter’s management, and star man Christian Pulisic’s lack of minutes and form at club level has been a concern.
With both sides confident of progressing from Group B, this one could prove to be as pivotal a first game of a tournament imaginable.
