Soccer

    Wales player ratings: Kieffer Moore impact, Gareth Bale match winner, Aaron Ramsey flops

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer21 November 2022
    Gareth Bale of Wales

    Gareth Bale of Wales

    Gareth Bale converted a late penalty as Wales salvaged a 1-1 draw against the United States in their World Cup opener.

    Wales were competing in their first World Cup match in 64 years and avoided defeat despite going 1-0 down in the opening half. 

    Timothy Weah produced a clinical strike as the Americans edged ahead in the 36th minute. However, Wales fought back after the restart with Gareth Bale ultimately converting a late penalty to seal the draw.
    Here, Planet Sport provides player ratings for the Welsh team.

    Wayne Hennessey - 6

    Preferred to Danny Ward and in the right place to prevent a Joe Rodon own goal. Little chance with Timothy Weah's finish.

    Neco Williams - 5

    Struggled to handle Weah early on and lost the livewire winger for the United States' goal.

    Chris Mepham - 6

    Unfussy defending, kept his head as the USA piled on the pressure in the first half. Booked.

    Joe Rondon - 5

    Almost headed the ball into his own net and sold himself too easily in the build-up to the goal.

    Ben Davies - 6

    Tottenham defender almost equalised with a spectacular diving header tipped over the crossbar by Arsenal keeper Matt Turner.

    Connor Roberts - 6

    Could not get forward in the first half. Last-ditch challenge denied Christian Pulisic in the second.

    Ethan Ampadu - 7

    Playing in a deep-lying midfield role, he regularly won the ball back but too often had no one in front of him to pass to.

    Aaron Ramsey - 4

    Sadly the only highlights from the Nice midfielder's performance were in his hair.

    Harry Wilson - 5

    Surprise inclusion in the starting line-up but was unable to get a foothold as the USA squeezed the life out of the midfield.

    Gareth Bale - 7

    Won the penalty, scored the penalty. Wales' talisman came good when it mattered, yet again. Booked.

    Daniel James - 4

    Barely got on the ball and when he did the Fulham wideman showed no appetite to attack. Hooked at half-time.

    Substitutes

    Kieffer Moore - 8

    Changed the match, instantly giving Wales the focal point in attack they were so badly lacking.

    Brennan Johnson - 6

    Fresh legs for the closing stages and had a late chance saved.

    Sorba Thomas - 5

    On to run the clock down in stoppage time.

    Joe Morrell - 5

    Four-minute run-out for the midfielder.
    READ MORE: Gareth Bale bags late penalty as Wales salvage draw with USA in their World Cup opener