The USMNT’s return to the World Cup got off to a dream start in the first half of their opener against Wales. Christian Pulisic found Tim Weah, who scored a marvelous goal to take the USA to dreamland.
But, when the second part began, it turned from a dream to a nightmare. Wales were the better team for most of the second 45 minutes. Deservedly, Gareth Bale conceded a penalty past Matt Turner. That came on the back of a shocking challenge from Walker Zimmerman.
The United States gained a point. So it was not a total disaster. However, the draw puts the Stars and Stripes in a much more difficult position. Now, the USA is preparing to play England, which is previewed to be a massive game.
USA left wanting more from Wales game
It was a classic tale of two halves for the United States on Monday against the Welsh. The United States came out in the first half and was a vastly superior team. Berhalter’s team successfully completed almost 93% of their passes. That led to a 1-0 halftime lead.
Then things started to go wrong. Wales increased the pressure. Once again, Gregg Berhalter was slow to respond to his game plan gone awry. Weston McKennie took a hit and was clearly in labor, but Berhalter waited almost 25 minutes to replace him. Berhalter’s substitution methods were also questionable. With very little time left for the USA to find a winner, he replaced Jordan Morris.
As a result, Gio Reyna was left on the bench. Of course, this generated conflicting reports from Berhalter, not for the first time in his tenure, and Reyna. The manager said this was an injury precaution. The player said that he was ready.
All things considered, as a winnable game in which the US wasted two points. The consequence is an unenviable task. The United States must add all the points against a high-flying England. Or, you can leave it to fate and the last day of the group stage matches.
England looking strong
While the USA were left wanting more after their opener, the same was not true of England. The Three Lions absolutely went berserk for Iran. The final was 6-2. However, that score is even a bit kind to Iran. The Iranian’s second goal was the last shot of the match, via penalty.
Gareth Southgate has done an incredible job as England manager. England reached the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup, then followed that up with a berth in the 2020 European Championship final.
The list you summoned is almost an embarrassment of riches. However, if there is one place to focus for the USMNT, it is the fact that most of the England squad have not scored many goals. Harry Kane, concerned with ankle pain, is the headliner with 51 goals in 75 caps.
That being said, quality abounds throughout the team. Nineteen-year-old Jude Bellingham is the favorite to win the tournament’s best young player award. He had a good start to the campaign with a goal against Iran. Bukayo Saka, another of England’s young promises, scored twice on Monday. Raheem Sterling finally got his World Cup goal after a very poor performance four years ago in Russia. Then Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish completed the scoring.
USA vs England match preview
This is the third meeting between the United States and England in the World Cup. Despite the Three Lions clinching the overall record against the Americans with eight wins, two losses and one tie, the United States has some success at the World Cup.
In 2010, the two teams drew in their first World Cup match. They both advanced from that group. In 1950, the United States surprised England with a famous 1-0 victory.
The last time these two met was in November 2018. England convincingly won that friendly, 3-0, at Wembley.
Going into the game, England lead the group as the only team with a win.
This game is live from the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Kickoff is at 2 pm ET on FOX, with pregame coverage beginning an hour before. John Strong and Stu Holden are on the call.
Looking to the future
The United States plays Iran on the final day, while England has a battle against fellow countryman Wales. Both games are on Tuesday, November 29 at 2 pm ET.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Matthias Koch
World Cup 2022 Guide
Here are some resources to help you make the most of the biggest event in soccer!
