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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

Wales player ratings vs USA: Kieffer Moore an instant focal point as Gareth Bale steps up again

Focal point: Kieffer Moore changed the game for Wales

(Picture: Getty Images)

Gareth Bale earned Wales a point with a late penalty against the USA.

After a poor first-half, Rob Page’s side grew into a game largely dominanted by their opponents in the opening 45 minutes.

The result leaves both sides of a point and vying for second spot in Group B after England’s win over Iran.

Here’s how Rob Page’s side rated in Al Rayyan...

Wayne Hennessey 6

Knew little about Rodon header but save was crucial. Had little choice but to come out for goal, but Weah finish was too good.

Chris Mepham 5

Struggled when pulled out into channels to double-up on Pulisic but like most of his teammates, got to grips with things after the break. Booked.

Joe Rodon 5

Almost scored own-goal when deflecting Weah cross goalwards. Broke up counter-attacks with a couple of excellent reads after the break.

Ben Davies 6

Senior man in the back-line was denied equaliser from brave header by fine Turner save.

Connor Roberts 5

Found it tough against America’s overload down the left-flank.

Ethan Ampadu 6

Made a couple of huge tackles in midfield but was a lonely figure in there at times.

Aaron Ramsey 6

So much more involved after the break, when able to play off Moore. Of Wales’ go-to men, looked most likely to conjure something and did as pull-back helped win penalty.

Go-to: Ramsey helped tee up the penalty (Getty Images)

Neco Williams 6

Forced deep by the threat of Weah and could not get across in time to prevent his goal. Getting him on the front-foot was key to Wales’ improvement after half-time.

Harry Wilson 5

A surprise inclusion ahead of Keiffer Moore but was guilty of several sloppy passes.

Gareth Bale 7

Only half-hour of club football since the last international break and looked a bit off the pace early on. Was never likely to go 90 minutes without an impact though and won and made penalty. Booked.

Joy: Bale scored a crucial penalty (AFP via Getty Images)

Dan James 4

Pace ought to have been a weapon in behind Tim Ream but Wales never got in position to use it. Replaced at half-time.

Substitutes

Kieffer Moore (James 46’) 7

Made such a positive impact, giving Wales a focal point and going close with header from Wilson corner.

Brennan Johnson (N. Williams 79’)

Put last chance from tight angle straight at Turner.

Morrell (Ampadu ‘90)

Sorba Thomas (Wilson 90’)

Unused: Ward, Davies, Gunter, Allen, Lockyear, Williams, Harris, Levitt, Cabango, Colwill, Smith.

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