After all the waiting and hype to get back on the big stage, Wales suffered stage fright in Doha in a dire first half.
But Wales’ history boys found their stride after the break to come roaring back and equalise. And if there was a title for the performance it should be: “Viva Gareth Bale” which the Welsh fans belted out.
Wales’ record scorer and captain was isolated and frustrated in the first half in the nation’s first World Cup match for 64 years. Their opening half here at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha didn’t even feature a single shot after the curtain went up as USA deservedly led through Timothy Weah.
But Wales boss Rob Page, who opted not to start Kieffer Moore, sparked a big turnaround in fortunes by throwing on the targetman for the second half.
Almost inevitably it was captain and record scorer Bale, 33, who was once again Wales’ saviour as he won and converted a second half penalty eight minutes from time.
No country had waited as long between a first and second World Cup appearance than Wales. So their lame first half was a major shock and disappointment for boss Page and the nation’s loyal fans.
Without Joe Allen who wasn’t fit enough after injuring his hamstring in September with Swansea, Wales failed to get much possession as USA dominated the early stages.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was forced into an early save in the ninth minute when Joe Rodon headed Weah’s cross straight at his own keeper.
Then Norwich striker Josh Sargent headed wide moments later at the back post. With Bale subdued early on, Wales were forced firmly on to the back-foot.
They initially limited USA to shots from distance like when Sergino Dest blazed over from 30 yards. But gradually the Americans began to stretch Wales more and more as they continued to probe.
Christian Pulisic instigated the move that led to their opener before Sargent’s header released the Chelsea ace and he cleverly picked out Weah to send the striker clear on goal.
Lille ace Weah produced a composed finish as he dinked a right-foot effort with the outside of his foot past Hennessey when the keeper came rushing out in the 36th minute.
It was no more than USA merited amid an awful half for Wales, which included a booking for Bale. Page was desperate to get to half-time to make a change when he brought on Moore.
Instantly the 6ft5in striker’s presence and hold up play enabled Wales to enjoy more possession and get up the pitch. It helped Wales finally test US keeper Matt Turner in the 65th minute when Ben Davies flung himself at a header which the Arsenal man tipped over one-handed.
From the resulting corner, Moore headed just over as Wales started to turn the tables on USA. Wales dispensed with caution taking off defender Neco Williams to throw on forward Brennan Johnson.
The Nottingham Forest attacker played a role in the leveller with a move down the right which led to Walker Zimmerman going through the back of Bale for a penalty.
The Wales skipper dispatched it with his left-foot high into the corner for his 41st international goal infront of the ecstatic Welsh fans. Johnson then might have won it late on but shot straight at Turner.
Now Wales must get their performance right from the start for their matinee against Iran on Friday lunchtime in Qatar with victory likely to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the last 16.
