World Cup 2022 USA-Wales ends in 1-1 draw

A tough game for the U.S. men's national team ended in a draw against Wales this afternoon. So it's not over though, and North Texans are proving they will continue to show their support. Fox Sports' Sam Gannon joining us now from Frisco, where FC Dallas hosted a watch party. Hi, Sam. Hey, Heather. Yeah, that's right. We're here at Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas. It is quiet right now. We're here inside, but this place was packed out both inside here and outside for the largest watch party here for the World Cup in North Texas. As you mentioned, this one ended in a draw 1-1 for the United States. But again, sometimes those draws feel more like losses than they do wins, or as you said, moving on. But for the United States, it is not over. Today, they faced off against Wales. Remember, the United States men's national team making its first appearance in this World Cup in eight years. They didn't qualify back in 2018. Let's take you out to the highlights. The U.S. men's national team headlined by some young stars like Christian Pulisic, Little Elms' Weston McKinney, part of the starting 11. FC Dallas' Jesus Ferreira also on this year's World Cup team. It was really some scrappy play by both sides in the first half. It wasn't until the 36th minute that we would see some offense. Pulisic on the move, and it's an easy feat to Tim Weah out in front. I don't know which was more impressive, the assist or the goal. Bottom right corner of the net it goes. First World Cup goal for the United States since 2014. Weah becomes the first USMNT player born in the 2000s to score at the World Cup. 1-0 lead for USA. That score would stay the same at the half in the second half around the 65th minute. Wales is threatening to score, but Matt Turner is there for the extension to make the fantastic one-handed save, but Wales continues to fight. Gareth Bale draws the foul on Walker Zimmerman, so then it's a huge opportunity for Wales. It's Bale with the penalty kick, and it is a goal. It's the 41st of his career for Wales, so it is tied 1-1. This opening World Cup match would end in a draw 1-1. USA had just one shot on goal, Wales with three. Let's hear from fans that were here today that were here to witness the United States first World Cup match in eight years. Let's go. Come on. I love this team. I've been waiting for this moment for eight years, and they're proving it on the stage, so I'm super excited. We're going to take this cup. It's coming to us. We're bringing it back. We add it to those trophies by the ladies. Yeah, the men need one World Cup though. Yeah, the ladies are proving us. Yeah, they're making us feel bad now. We need the men. Bring this home, guys. All right. Again, you know, the United States was really dominant in that first half, but Wales fought back. They hadn't played in the World Cup the first time in 64 years. They scored their first goal since 1958, so a lot riding for both of these nations. Now, here's an interesting stat for you. In the last six FIFA World Cups, 59% of the teams that draw in their first match do advance from the group. As you can imagine, the United States is not done. They will face England on Friday at 1 p.m. right here on FOX 4. You know, the last time the United States faced England was back in 2010. That one also ended in a 1-1 draw. We'll have much more coming up tonight on Free For All. Sam Gannon, FOX 4 Sports.