Starting Point: USMNT Opens With Draw
11/22/2022
By: Jeff Yoder
USMNT Gives Up Late Penalty to Draw With Wales in World Cup Opener (1-1)
The United States Men’s National Team began their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a lot of positives but a neutral result in Match 1. Wales entered Monday riding the highs of their first World Cup match in 64 years, but it was the USMNT who struck first. Timothy Weah (36’) smashed home a through-ball from Christian Pulisic late in the first half, but a late penalty put Gareth Bale on the spot for the equalizer late in the game (82’). The U.S. owned the possession stats in Match 1 (59%—41%), but their trip to Qatar begins with a draw.
Watch: USMNT & Wales Play to 1-1 Draw
Earlier in the day, England blew out Iran to take a commanding lead in Group B while the Dutch blanked Senegal thanks to a pair of goals in the waning minutes. More matches coming up today…
Other World Cup Highlights
Netherlands def. Senegal (2-0)
Group B Standings Update
England: 3 points (+4 GD)
USA: 1 point (0 GD)
Wales: 1 point (0 GD)
Iran: 0 points (-4 GD)
Today’s World Cup Schedule
Group C: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia (5:00 am ET)
Group D: Denmark vs. Tunisia (8:00 am ET)
Group C: Mexico vs. Poland (11:00 am ET)
Group D: France vs. Australia (2:00 pm ET)
Additional Storylines
ESPN: World Cup Chaos: Fans Face Ticket Issues as FIFA App Crashes
SI: USMNT’s World Cup-Opening Draw Feels Like a Disappointment
Reuters: England Thrash Iran 6-2 in Strong Start to World Cup
USA Today: First Time Watching the World Cup? Here’s How Soccer’s Ultimate Showcase Works
Photo: David Ramos / Getty Images