This is the first draw of the tournament.

The United States and Wales drew 1-1 on Monday (21 November) for their entry into the World Cup, leaving the race to qualify fully open in a group where England swept Iran 6-2.

One half each: as much as "Team USA" deserved to lead 1-0 at the break, thanks to Timothy Weah (36th), after suffocating the Welsh for 45 minutes, as much as the "Dragons" did not steal their equalization by Gareth Bale (82nd on penalty), after a second period full of energy and will.

On their return to the World Cup after a 64-year absence, the Welsh had the support of a raucous and enthusiastic colony of fans dressed all in red. 

But from the start, the Americans, who arrived in Qatar with the second youngest selection of the tournament (after Ghana), deprived the British of the ball, and took almost total control of the midfield. 

The first clear chance came just 10 minutes into the game, when Josh Sargent put a powerful header on the post.

It was thought then that the Dragons would crack quickly.

But Rob Page's players, failing to be able to develop their football, were well in place defensively.

And it was finally on only their second opportunity that "Team USA" opened the scoring. 

In the Weah family, ask for the son 

George, the father, had shone with Paris or AC Milan before becoming president of his country, Liberia.

But it was Timothy, the son, who put the family name in the World Cup Golden Book, opening the scoring for the United States.

Superbly launched in depth by Christian Pulisic, the young 22-year-old Lille striker beat Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (1-0, 36th).

All these young Americans are gaining experience in Qatar which they hope will be valuable to them in four years, for their home World Cup in 2026 (the United States will co-host it with Canada and Mexico). 

But the Welsh coach Rob Page, at the break, had to set the record straight.

Because the reds returned to the pitch with a lot more ideas, aggressiveness and enthusiasm.

The second period was unbridled at times, with the two teams looking in turn for the knockout.

The Welsh came close to equalizing in the 64th minute when Ben Davies saw his powerful header slammed over the bar by USA goalkeeper Matt Turner.

And it was finally Gareth Bale, transparent during the first 45 minutes, who snatched the equalizer.

Jostled in the area, the former Real Madrid striker left no one to transform the penalty logically whistled by the Qatari referee of the match, Mr. Al Jassim (1-1, 82nd).

This point of draw is for both teams a point of hope, in a group where Iran appears below the lot and England probably above.

With AFP

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app