Fans are watching in anxious anticipation as the 2022 FIFA World Cup plays out in Qatar this year.
During the first Winter Cup in history, 32 of the world’s top national teams will compete until Dec. 18 in a span of 64 matches.
Last week, the United States made their first World Cup appearance since 2014 as they took on Wales in the World Cup Group B opener at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
The game was a hard-fought battle, ending in a draw.
The United States had the lead for the majority of the game after a goal 36 minutes in by one of their forwards, Timothy Weah.
The United States went into the half with the lead and a look at a big win to begin the Cup. With just 10 minutes left, Gareth Bale drew a foul from Walker Zimmerman, which turned the momentum of the game.
From the penalty area, Bale delivered an unstoppable spot kick giving Wales their first score of the game and tying the game.
“It felt like in the first half we had a lot of energy, a lot of momentum,” Weah told ESPN after the match. “And then, coming into the second half, we dialed down, and Wales turned it up a notch. They started pressing us, they had most of the ball, and I think at the end, that’s what really hurt us.”
However, in a World Cup, ending a game in a draw is not the end.
“In a World Cup, the most important thing is that we didn’t lose. We need to continue to do what we do best and keep working,” Weah told ESPN.
The United States took on England last Friday in a massive test that ended in a tie, with neither team scoring.
Tuesday, The United States played against Iran following their opener loss 6-2 against the Three Lions on Nov. 29. The match ended in the United State’s first win of the World Cup after picking up the only point of the game during the first half and has knocked Iran out of the competition.
Up next for the United States is against the Netherlands tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
