USA – WALES | Monday 8pm
Here comes the first of three Anglo-Saxon ‘derbies’ that already has all the makings of a play-off for second place in Group B. The USA and Wales, at least in theory, should be competing for one of the two slots available to advance to the knockout stage, assuming that eventual European champions England finish ahead of everyone else. And that the fourth challenger, Iran, confirms the expectations of the eve of the match that they will be at the bottom of the table and end their World Cup adventure in last place. According to the bookmakers, it is the US selection that has the best chance of coming out undefeated from this interesting challenge, which also promises to be very balanced. First and foremost, for the Stars and Stripes it is a return to the final stage of a World Cup after missing the Russian edition due to a resounding defeat to Trinidad and Tobago.
Gregg Berhalter is trying to lay the foundations for a major cycle looking ahead to 2026, when the USA will host the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. He can count on the various Pulisic, McKennie, Weah, Dest, Musah and Sargent, people who have been playing – some more, some less – at a high level in Europe for some time now. And this time it would seem to have what it takes to at least reach the round of 16, the minimum objective.
In the last September friendlies, however, it limped along, losing 2-0 to Japan and drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. For Wales, on the other hand, it was a decidedly historic event: the Dragons had not qualified since 1958. They broke the curse by winning a dramatic playoff against Ukraine, beaten 1-0 in a one-off match thanks to a goal from their captain Gareth Bale. Coach Robert Page still relies on his most representative man, who has been playing in the Mls for a few months with Los Angeles Fc. Since that play-off, however, Wales have not won, conceding four defeats and a draw in the Nations League and relegating to League B.
USA-Wales: latest line-up news
Bale
The main doubt for selector Berhalter concerns who to line up between the posts, where Turner could steal the spot from Manchester City’s top-ranked Steffen. In midfield, the presence of Juventus’ McKennie, who will play centrally in a three-man line with Adams and Aaronson, should not be in question. In front, instead, the son of art Weah and Ferreira will compete for a place between the starters Reyna and Pulisic.
As for Wales, Bale has assured that he is ready to start from the beginning, despite not having played so much in Los Angeles. Alongside him the usual Moore and the exuberant Daniel James, Fulham’s big surprise. The Welsh defence will be five: there is also Ampadu from Spezia as well as the experienced Davies from Tottenham.
The Prediction
The USA should be able to avoid defeat in a match where there is really no clear favourite. Wales have struggled to score in recent outings, but their attack is likely to come out on top against a defence that is far from impenetrable. Both, in short, are likely to score. A draw cannot be ruled out.
USA-Wales line-ups
- USA (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Long, A. Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Aaronson; Reyna, Ferreira, Pulisic.
- GALLES (5-2-3): Hennessey; C. Roberts, Ampadu, Rodon, B. Davies, N. Williams; Allen, Ramsey; Bale, Moore, James.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
