Wales player ratings: Kieffer Moore impact, Gareth Bale match winner, Aaron Ramsey flops
- Planet Sport writer
- 21 November 2022
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.
