JAKARTA - The Wales national team will face the United States in their inaugural match at the 2022 World Cup at Al Rayyan Stadium, Qatar, Tuesday 22 November at 02.00 WIB. This is their first appearance at the World Cup finals in 64 years.
Wales, who are currently led by Gareth Bale, last appeared in the quadrennial event in 1958 when Sweden hosted it. At that time they were eliminated in the quarter-finals after losing to Brazil.
At that time Brazil was strengthened by the legendary 17-year-old Pele. The Samba team finally won after defeating the hosts in the final with a landslide score of 5-2.
The 64-year wait made Wales all over the World Cup fever. An estimated three thousand Si Naga fans have traveled to Qatar to watch their beloved team play.
"The school will stop to watch our game. It was one of those moments that is a big part of history, something we wanted", Bale said to BBC Sport on Monday, November 21, 2022.
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Meanwhile, the United States returned to the World Cup finals after missing the previous edition in 2018 in Russia. They then failed miserably following a loss against Trinidad and Tobago in their last qualifier.
In this year's edition, America also faced a tight match during the qualifying round. The top four countries that automatically qualify for the finals are only separated by three points, but the Americans managed to snatch one of the three places or are just above Costa Rica.
The United States has reached the knockout stages four times from their last seven appearances in the tournament. However, they have always failed to beat European opponents in their previous nine attempts.
On the other hand, Wales' performance entering the finals also did not offer much optimism. They haven't won since sealing their place in Qatar with a 1-0 win over Ukraine in the playoffs.
The 1-1 draw with Belgium was the only point Rob Page's side has managed to score in the recent Nations League campaign. They then suffered home and away defeats to Poland and the Netherlands which saw them relegated from League A.
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