USA 1 Wales 1 reactions: once again ‘it’s all about’ Gareth Bale 

Playing in their first Fifa World Cup match since 1958, Wales needed a late penalty from captain Gareth Bale to secure a 1-1 draw against the United States.

At the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, a red wall of shirts and bucket hats welcomed the Welsh team as they made their World Cup return after 64 long years. Although the fans turned up in fine voice, and gave a spine-tingling rendition of anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, their team struggled as the US dominated the group B clash. And it was Timothy Weah’s goal that gave the Americans a deserved lead on 36 minutes, finishing smartly from Christian Pulisic’s excellent through ball.

Wales were “listless” and “overrun” in the first half by a “vibrant” US, said Dafydd Pritchard of BBC Sport Wales. But the half-time introduction of striker Kieffer Moore “revitalised” Robert Page’s team, who found “energy” and “purpose” in the second half.

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With eight minutes remaining Wales were then awarded a spot-kick after Tim Ream clattered into Bale, and the skipper stepped up to earn his side a truly historic point.

‘The man who makes them dream’

On what was their “biggest ever night”, Wales were served a “brutal reminder” and “lessons will need to be learned”, said WalesOnline. And they were rescued by “the man who makes them dream”.

With 41 goals in 109 games, Bale is Wales’s all-time leading scorer and the team’s talisman. Head coach Page praised his side’s character in salvaging a point, but said that once again “it’s all about” his star skipper. “He’s never let us down has he?” Page said. “It’s all about Bale and rightly so.”

After netting the late spot-kick, Bale believed that it was “a good point in the end” and the team will “try to build on that performance”. He admitted that there were “a little bit of nerves”, but as the designated penalty taker, he had to “take the responsibility”. Bale added: “Our second-half performance was fantastic. It gave us a lot of confidence. Now it’s all about recovering and let’s get going again.”

Wales in a ‘decent position’

“Only time will tell” how important that draw was, but the “Spirit of ’58” was there for all to see, said Ian Mitchelmore on WalesOnline. Welsh supporters were “truly grateful” for the point while “only too aware” that improvement is needed going forward.

England “firmly backed up their favourites tag” for group B, following their 6-2 “demolition job” of Iran, said Mathew Davies, also on WalesOnline. The draw, however, leaves Wales in a “decent position” and their next match against Iran is now a “must-win”.

In the next round of group B matches on Friday, Wales take on Iran at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (10am; live on BBC/S4C) and England face the USA at Al Bayt Stadium (7pm; live on ITV).

Group B table: as it stands

Fixtures and results

Monday 21 November

• England 6 Iran 2
• USA 1 Wales 1

Friday 25 November

• Wales vs. Iran (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 10am; BBC/S4C)
• England vs. USA (Al Bayt Stadium; 7pm; ITV)

Tuesday 29 November

• Wales vs. England (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 7pm; BBC/S4C)
• Iran vs. USA (Al Thumama Stadium; 7pm; BBC)