USA sealed their place at this year’s World Cup through the finest of margins, after finishing above Costa Rica on goal difference alone. It wasn’t an easy run for their opponents either, Wales managed to qualify for their first World Cup since 1958 thanks to an Andriy Yarmolenko own goal in their World Cup Qualifying Promotion Final against Ukraine.
Wales captain Gareth Bale, who in previous tournaments has dragged his country through numerous stages of cup competitions, will be the centre of attention come kick off in what could well be his last major tournament for Wales. The 33-year-old has 40 goals for his country and will be aiming to fire his side to an early three points and look to pinch 2nd place and progress in the competition, with England the major favourite to top the group.
USA are a young talented squad, with a large amount of their players plying their trade in major European leagues. Star man Christian Pulisic will be the main man when it comes to goals. The Chelsea forward scored contributed to 5 of USA’s 21 goals (the highest output of any USA player) through the qualifying stages.
The fact Wales are unbeaten in their 2 previous meetings with the USA (W1, D1) may give Rob Page’s men a little bit of confidence going into this one.
With the two sides looking shaky defensively, it’s hard to judge which way this one will go, with both teams showcasing attacking talent, I can see both nations finding the net in this one. USA conceded 10 goals in 14 qualifying games with Wales conceding 9 in 8 games showing both teams inability to keep clean sheets.
Score Prediction: 1-1
Bet Prediction: Both Teams to Score – 1/1
