USA and Wales are both returnee for the World Cup, and are both under Group B, in a very tight group. Their match happens on November 22, 2022, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8). These two teams are both returnee to the World Cup, especially the Wales. It took them six decades before finally retuning again in the World Cup. They last qualified for the World Cup way back 1958, 64 years ago. As for USA, they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and are just very glad to qualified once again for the World Cup. As these two teams just return to the World Cup, being in the same group with England and Iran makes their mission more challenging.
For the two matches these two teams played, USA is the one at the advantage, following their one win against Wales, and drawing the other match. However, despite that advantage, USA is not playing well against European opponents. In fact, for the last nine games they had against any European teams, they were winless, losing five and drawing four. The Wales on the other hand, only had one World Cup appearance prior to their qualification this year. However, during that appearance in 1958, they managed to reach the knockout stage, but were eliminated by Brazil in the quarterfinals. Fortunately, they were able to progress out of the group stage on their last two major tournament which is Euro 2016 and 2020.
USA depends on their experience
USA’s biggest advantage against the Wales are their experience, despite not being qualified for the World Cup last edition. They had a hard time qualifying for the contest, but after being ahead of Costa Rica, they were able to qualify once again. During their last seven World Cup appearances, they were able to go past the group stage four times. However, although they have more appearances than Wales, the USA team has a relatively young squad. Meaning to say, some of their players are inexperienced. Additionally, they have yet to win against any European their last nine games. This time, they hope to finally end that streak and win their opening match.
Zack Steffan could have wore the glove for USA, but due to his underwhelming performance, he was replaced by Stefan Ortega. Christian Pulisic is expected to lead USA, despite participating in his first World Cup appearance.
Wales are back after 64 years
Wales first and last qualified in the World Cup way back 1958, and their second will be this year. Thankfully, their relentless run in the qualifiers made it possible for them to play once again in the World Cup. They dispatched Austria and Ukraine which made them qualified for the prestigious tournament. As they return in the World Cup, this squad is eager to make their campaign remarkable not just for their nation, but for their opponents as well. Just like their opponents, they also had their last international stage way back Euros 2016 and 2020, where they also escaped the group stage.
Gareth Bale is set to lead Wales for their World Cup campaign, and is expected to play for 90 minutes on their games. Joe Allen faced injury since last September, but is optimistic to be able to play in their opener. However, Rhys Norrington-Davies is not as lucky because he will not be available for Wales throughout their campaign.
Prediction:
USA (2.5)
Odds: -0.85
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