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      USA 1 Wales 1 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Bale penalty RESCUES point after Weah opener in Group B clash – latest

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      GARETH BALE rescued a point for Wales against the USA in Group B.Timothy Weah put the USA ahead after 35 minutes, getting onto a Christian Pulisic pass to put his side into the lead.
      However, an improved second-half saw Wales fight their way back into the game and Bale won the penalty before converting himself to give his side a point.

      Kick-off: 7pm UK time
      TV channel: ITV 1/ S4C
      Live stream: ITV Hub
      USA XI: Turner, Dest, Zimmerman, Adams, Robinson, Musah, McKennie, Pulisic, Ream, Weah, Sargent
      Wales XI: Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon, B Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, Ramsey, Wilson, N Williams; James, Bale

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      Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
      Gareth Bale never lets his country down and he popped up with the big moment for them again tonight.
      He was a peripheral figure for most of the match but was involved when it mattered.
      Having won the penalty, he emphatically converted his spot kick to send the Red Wall behind the goal into raptures.
      Bale’s goal secured a point that had seemed unlikely at the halfway stage.
      The USA were comfortably the better side during the first 45 and perhaps should have been more than one goal ahead at the break.
      Tim Weah’s 36th minute strike ensured that he now holds a record that his famous father, George, does not – scoring a goal at the World Cup finals.
      While both sides will not be too disappointed with the point tonight, it does raise the pressure ahead of their fixtures against a beatable-looking Iran team who were obliterated by England earlier this afternoon.
      Whoever progresses from group B will surely need to take all 3 points from that game.
      Up next for the USA is the match against group leaders England where a win for Gareth Southgate’s team would likely see them progress to the knockout rounds.  
      Wales, meanwhile, face Iran in a must-win game for Rob Page’s side.
      Until then, all that is left for me to say is thank you for joining me and I’ll speak to you next time!
      Suspicious attendance figures
      The FIFA website has the official attendance for tonight’s game at 43,418.
      The Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium has a listed capacity of 40,000.
      Try and work that one out.
      Group B
      The draw makes the Iran game a particularly important one for both Wales and the USA.
      Four points could be enough to secure safe passage into the knockout rounds so a win in that fixture might prove pivotal.
      Bale quotes
      The main man was pleased with how Wales turned things around at half time.
      Not a good first half to be honest. We changed a few things around and came out fighting in the second half, as we always do. Gareth BaleITV
      Game of two halves
      The US deservedly went into the half time break ahead after they dominated the first 45.
      But Rob Page didn’t hesitate to change things when he saw his plan wasn’t working and quickly introduced Kieffer Moore.
      Moore’s introduction gave Wales an out ball and they grew into the game and were good value for a point in the end.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      He says: “As soon as the final whistle went, the American fans got out of their seats and headed for home.
      As soon as the final whistle went, the Welsh fans stood and cheered, chanting “Wales! Wales! Wales!”
      It looked pretty nasty at the break. All different now.
      They’re still here, definitely.
      Iran up next. Win that, and if England beat America, a draw will do nicely for both of them.
      Collusion? Between England and Wales? Surely not?”
      Talismanic Bale
      It’s always him.
      Gareth Bale produced another memorable moment for his country this evening as he scored Wales’ first World Cup goal since 1958.
      He may not have been heavily involved in all facets of the game but he has popped up again when it mattered.

      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      He says: “And now it’s “Men of Harlech”.
      They sang that, famously, at Rorke’s Drift – some of you will have seen “Zulu Dawn”, with Michael Caine and Stanley Baker.
      It’s not been that sort of defensive stand, certainly not in the second half.
      It finishes 1-1 and I suspect the USA will think it’s a point dropped.
      But Wales will be wondering what it might have been like if they’d played with this intensity – and shape – in the first half.
      Full Time: USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+9, Peep! Peep! Peeeeeeeep! The referee brings this game to a close.
      Wales and the USA share the points.
      Stay with us for all the post-match reaction.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+8, It looked like it was set up for Bale to score from the halfway line!
      Turner came off his line to beat Moore to the ball after Ben Davies long pass upfield.
      Turner’s header fell for Bale on the halfway line but he was cynically brought down just as he tried to score an audacious goal.
      That would’ve been a crazy finish.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+7, Gareth Bale tries to work an angle for the shot on the edge of the USMNT’s penalty area but he’s dispossessed just as he lines up to shoot.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+5, Ethan Ampadu is replaced by Joe Morrell for the remaining minutes.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+4, Connor Roberts sends a cross in towards Bale but Zimmmerman just beats him to it.
      Five minutes to go here.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90+3, Harry Wilson is being replaced by Sorba Thomas.
      The Wales midfielder was limping as he made his way off the pitch but it seems as though it’s just cramp.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      He says: “Now we’re hearing “Yma o hyd” – which means “We’re still here” – from the Welsh fans.
      Would they take the point?
      Probably.
      But the momentum has certainly, unsurprisingly, shifted.
      Moore back heel just put Johnson away but he smashed it into Turner’s chest.
      There might, might, be time for one final twist.
      But bodies are strewn all over the place. It’s like a battlefield.”
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90, We’re going to have 9 minutes added on at the end of the half.
      The referees are certainly trying to clamp down on any time wasting at this tournament.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      90, Chance for Johnson!
      The Nottingham Forest forward has a sight of goal as he races down the Wales right.
      He never looked like having the conviction to beat Turner though, and the Arsenal goalkeeper saves comfortably.
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      89, There’s plenty of space opening up for both teams as the players begin to tire.
      A goal for either side would surely be a winner.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      He says: “Just as it looked as if Wales were running out of time and hope….
      Got to be the most obvious penalty of the entire tournament – even after two days.
      Zimmerman goes right through Bale from behind, smashing him to smithereens and getting nowhere near the ball.
      Bale’s biggest moment in a Wales shirt? Probably.
      He answered emphatically to start a party behind the goal as the Welsh fans explode with delirium.
      Wales’ first World Cup goal since Spurs’ Terry Medwin scored the winner in a group stage play-off against Hungary in Stockholm.
      Now it’s a former Spurs man in Doha. 
      Worth the wait? You betcha!”
      USA 1 – 1 Wales
      84, There’s likely to be at least 10 minutes left here including injury time.
      Can Wales find a famous winner?
      GOAL! USA 1 – 1 Wales
      82, Gareth Bale never lets Wales down!
      He hammers the ball into the top right corner of the net.
      Turner got a fingertip to it but Bale’s shot had too much power behind it.
      Game on!

      Penalty for Wales! USA 1 – 0 Wales
      81, Bale wins a penalty for Wales!
      A quick throw on the right hand side sends Ramsey in behind the USA’s defence.
      Ramsay’s cutback is intended for Bale but the former Real Madrid Man is wiped out by Tim Ream before he gets chance to control.
      Bale to take…
      USA 1 – 0 Wales
      78, Tim Weah is the latest US player to need some medical assistance.
      Rob Page has taken the opportunity to send Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson on in place of Neco Williams.
      USA 1 – 0 Wales
      75, There’s 15 minutes of normal time left to be played here .
      Can Wales find an equaliser?

      USA 1 – 0 Wales
      73, Weston McKennie, who was on a yellow card, has also been substituted.
      Leeds winger Brenden Aaronson has come on his place.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is desperate to ‘checkmate’ Lionel Messi at World Cup 2022 after incredible chess advert

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has admitted he would love to beat Lionel Messi at the World Cup. The two footballing legends appeared in an internet-breaking Louis Vuitton ad together playing chess.
      Cristiano Ronaldo revealed he would like to ‘checkmate’ Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      The pair have been battling it out for the title of GOAT for many yearsCredit: AFP
      The pair broke the internet with this pictureCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      While it was later revealed neither star was in the same room for the photo, Ronaldo’s desire to beat his respected rival remains fierce.
      Speaking ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana, Ronaldo revealed he would love to “checkmate” Messi.
      He said: “Being honest I would like to be the one to give a checkmate against him (Messi).
      “Let’s see. It would be beautiful.
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      “As it happened in the chess (photo) it would be magic for it to happen in football as well.”
      The two have competed for the title of “GOAT” for well over a decade.
      Messi is currently leading the battle between the pair for the most Ballon d’Or awards with seven, while Ronaldo has five.
      However, this has not dissuaded the 37-year-old from making dinner plans with Messi.
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      During his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: “He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speak about me. 
      “Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they’re from Argentina. My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good.
      “What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”
      Asked if he would like to have dinner with the great Argentine, Ronaldo tells Piers “Why not, I like it.” More

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      Lionel Messi seems to have swollen ankle in training as Argentina star insists he is determined to enjoy final World Cup

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      LIONEL MESSI is determined to enjoy his World Cup swansong with a smile on his face – despite concerns over an ankle strain.Argentina’s superstar skipper will make damn sure his young team mates do the same after he admitted missing out on too much fun during his stellar career.
      Lionel Messi has insisted he is fine – despite pictures appearing to show a swollen right ankleCredit: Getty
      The World Cup is one of the few trophies Messi has yet to win in his incredibly successful careerCredit: EPA
      Messi, 35, leads the South Americans into his fifth and final appearance at the greatest football show on earth and starts against minnows Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
      He was pictured with what appeared to be a swollen ankle in training but the forward played it down and insisted he was fit.
      Messi said: “I feel very good physically. I think I’m arriving at a great moment, both personally and physically. I don’t have any problems.”
      And the Argentine star’s message to the 18 members of his squad making their debuts is that enjoyment goes hand in hand with winning.
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      Despite gobbling up four Champions Leagues, seven Spanish titles, the Ballon d’Or seven times and with his country the Copa America, the World Cup has eluded him.
      And little Leo said: “I don’t know if this is the best or the happiest moment in my career, but I feel a bit more mature trying to give my best and enjoy. And leave with a lot of intensity. 
      “I am trying to enjoy each moment in the World Cup. I think I am enjoying myself much more now. Before maybe I didn’t think about that and wanted to play, play, play.
      “When you play every three days you don’t have time to enjoy because you are thinking about the next game.
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      “Sometimes I think I missed a lot in my career.”
      Messi remains a massive draw on the big stage and his opening game audience was a sight to behold.
      Feverish Latin American journalists were hanging from the rafters in the press conference room who then applauded him off like a bunch of swooning cheerleaders.
      Messi has enjoyed a sizzling season at PSG ahead of the World CupCredit: EPA
      That is the power of personality and with so many rookies in boss Loinel Scaloni’s squad, Messi will assume an even loftier position as the ever-daunting South Americans bid for a third World Cup.
      They are on an impressive run under former West Ham defender Scaloni – 36 games undefeated and a thumping 3-0 win over Euro champions Italy in the summer’s ‘finalissima’ at Wembley.
      Messi came close to winning the big one in 2014 when Argentina were beaten by the odd extra time goal against Germany.
      It is not or never for the one player on the planet who can put Cristiano Ronaldo in his shadow.
      Messi said: “It is most likely my last World Cup. One more chance to make my dream a reality.
      “I feel good physically. We are in different times with the tournament in the middle of the season. But physically I have no issues.
      “This squad reminds me very much of the one in 2014. We are united. We feel good as a collective.

      “We have had barely any time to prepare and must play very quickly. There will be tension before the first game, emotions will run high but we will settle in and gather pace.”
      Facing in-form Argentina will be French coach Herve Renard and his Saudi battlers who know they are up against it.
      Arabic teams have taken a battering already this tournament with hosts Qatar and Iran losing their first games. But Renard is unbowed.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “We are not here just to look around and say Doha is lovely. We know this country very well and even if other people don’t agree with us, Qatar is a lovely country.
      “We will have a lot of fans here and want to make them proud. We are not here on a jolly.” More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Wales stars and supporters belt out national anthem before World Cup clash vs USA

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      FOOTBALL fans praised the Wales players and supporters after they passionately belted out the national anthem before their World Cup opener against USA.Welsh skipper Gareth Bale led his team in singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ahead of their first World Cup game in 64 years.
      The Welsh supporters belted out their national anthem before the USA gameCredit: Reuters
      The players joined their supporters in singing the anthemCredit: AP

      It was a passionate cry as Wales prepared for their first World Cup game since 1954Credit: FOX
      It was an emotional moment for the country, with the fans inside the stadium showing just how much it meant to them.
      Several Wales supporters could be seen screaming the anthem as they prepared to take on the US.
      And social media hailed the passion exuding out of both the players and fans.
      Speaking on Twitter, one person said: “Have you ever seen a more passionate national anthem at the World Cup than that? F***** proud as f***, I am. 👊👊👊👊👊.”
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      Another added: “Wales fans don’t play around with that anthem energy 😲.”
      A third said: “Wales anthem. Sport is a gift.”
      And a fourth simply added: “Had me in tears.”
      Prior to the Qatar tournament, Wales had not qualified for a World Cup since they reached the quarter-finals in 1958.
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      But with the help of stars such as Bale and Aaron Ramsey, manager Rob Page has succeeded in taking the national team to the finals this time around.
      Wales have been drawn in Group B alongside USA, Iran and England.
      Following their clash with the US on Monday evening, they take on Iran on Friday before their final group game with England four days later. More

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      England captain Harry Kane ‘disappointed’ at being blocked from wearing One Love armband at World Cup 2022

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      HARRY KANE revealed his disappointment at being blocked from wearing the One Love armband.England captain Kane and Gareth Bale of Wales had planned to wear the armband during matches to promote diversity and inclusion.
      Harry Kane is disappointed he couldn’t wear his One Love armband against IranCredit: Getty
      But they were warned by Fifa they could be booked before the start of the match.
      The Spurs star, outstanding in the 6-2 win over Iran, had to wear a Fifa armband instead as pundit Alex Scott sported the One Love version.
      Kane said: “The decision was taken out of my hands. I am disappointed.
      “I turned up to the stadium with the armband that I wore and I was told I had to wear that. 
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      “Look, it’s out of our control as players. 
      “I’m sure the FA and Fifa will continue those discussions but most importantly, we focused on the game and got a great result.

      “We took the knee today as well but sometimes these decisions aren’t up to us and that’s the bottom line. 
      “As a squad, our focus was on the game today and I think we showed we’re a really good team and have full focus on what we need to do.”
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      Asked if he is angry with Fifa, Kane said: “I’m not going to say words to get headlines. I said I was disappointed, I wasn’t able to wear it but that’s it.”
      Meanwhile, Kane gave England an injury scare by limping back to the team hotel with strapping on his ankle.
      Kane was hit by a meaty challenge early in the second half before being subbed off after 76 minutes.
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      And he was pictured limping to the bus with wrapping around his ankle. 
      SunSport understands that he will be assessed over the next 48 hours, but England have no serious fears over his fitness. More

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      Why are Wales fans wearing bucket hats at the 2022 World Cup?

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      WALES fans will be getting ready to cheer on their nation at a World Cup for the first time in 64 years – and they’ll be doing it in style.The Dragons’ campaign gets underway against USA with plenty of supporters expected to wear their eye-catching bucket hats.
      The bucket hats have become a symbol of Welsh prideCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 to qualify for the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Despite success at the Euros, reaching the semi-finals in 2016, Qatar marks a new territory for many Welsh fans, having never seen their country compete at the World Cup.
      Those fortunate enough to have been in Sweden during 1958, will recall their last appearance in the competition.
      The match saw them fall short against five-time winners Brazil in the quarter finals. A certain teenager named Pele got the winner that day.
      Fast forward to 2022, Wales are back and fans won’t go unnoticed in Qatar.
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      Why do Wales fans wear bucket hats?
      The vibrant yellow, green and red bucket hat has become an iconic symbol of Welsh football, worn by thousands of fans across the country.
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      The hat was originally created by Tim Williams, a small shop owner from Bala, Gwynedd.
      His company, named Spirit of 58′, referencing Wales’ last appearance at the tournament was created in order “to bring a bit of colour and fun” to matches.
      Following Wales’ qualification for Euro 2016, sales sky-rocketed and Williams had to quit his day job, donating all of his time to the hats’ production.
      A giant bucket hat has been put on display in Cardiff ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Today, the company sells all sorts of clobber, including socks depicting cult-hero Hal Robson-Kanu.
      The hats can be spotted at every Wales game, and represent the teams’ bold and defiant attitude.
      They are particularly useful for fans to recognise fellow Welsh supporters from a mile off.
      In addition to their striking appearance, the headgear will also provide some valuable protection from the Qatar heat.

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      Senegal vs Holland attendance announced as 1,700 MORE than stadium capacity… and empty seats spotted during clash

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      THE attendance of Holland’s win over Senegal was announced as 1,700 MORE than the stadium’s capacity.And a vast amount of empty seats were spotted around the Al-Thumama Stadium throughout the game.
      It was clear a large number of seats were empty for the gameCredit: Reuters
      Yet the attendance was still announced as 1,700 MORE than the stadium’s capacity
      The official capacity for the stadium is said to be 40,000.
      But the announcement over the loudspeaker towards the end of the Dutch’s 2-0 victory claimed 41,721 were present for the game.
      And those on social media ripped into the attendance figure given.
      One jokingly said: “The new rules are that official attendance must include people who would ‘quite like to have gone’.”
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      Another added: “They’re getting 104% attendance at their games 🤦🏻‍♂️.”
      And a third said: “Maybe they counted everyone twice?”
      The attendance being reported as more than the capacity of the stadia is already becoming a theme at this World Cup.
      Towards the end of the World Cup opener on Sunday, Qatar’s defeat to Ecuador was reported as raking in 67,000 spectators.
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      That was despite the Al Bayt Stadium holding a capacity crowd of 60,000.
      And fans have had difficulties getting into grounds after the Fifa ticket app went down ahead of England’s 6-2 win over Iran on Monday.
      Three Lions supporters who missed the start of the match ended up being allowed in for free due to the technical failure. More

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      Cheikhou Kouyate stretchered off after being hit in PRIVATES by Frenkie de Jong in Senegal’s World Cup clash

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      CHEIKHOU KOUYATE was stretchered off injured in the World Cup after he appeared to be hit in the TESTICLES by Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder was caught in the nether regions by De Jong’s outstretched hand as he jumped for the ball in mid-air.
      An awkward and painful collision ended Kouyate’s match against the DutchCredit: Reuters
      The star appeared to be in some discomfort as he was led off the pitch on a stretcherCredit: AP
      Senegal’s game against Holland was a bit of a slow-burner and the pair spent much of the game cancelling each other out.
      But eventually the Dutch got two late strikes to get over the line.
      But before the goals, Kouyate was left flat on the ground in pain after being caught by De Jong.
      The Nottingham Forest man leapt into the air to win a header with 20 minutes to go.
      But De Jong clumsily leaned into Kouyate and hit his privates with a loose left-hand.
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      Left in a heap on the ground, the Senegal midfielder was quickly attended to by medical staff.
      They said he could not go on and the star was stretchered off.
      Things would go from bad to worse for the African side who conceded two late goals to lose their World Cup opener.
      Rising PSV star and Manchester United target Cody Gakpo scored a brilliant header seven minutes from time to give Holland the lead.
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      And former Everton striker Davy Klaassen took advantage of the huge injury-time triggered by Kouyate’s injured as he netted from off the bench.
      The 29-year-old took advantage of a poor save from Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy to latch onto the rebound and secure the points.
      Senegal will now likely need at least one victory from their remaining group games against Ecuador and Qatar to land a place in the knock-out stages.
      The game between the two nations followed England’s demolition of Iran earlier in the day. More