Tim Weah Opens USMNT World Cup Scoring
Nov 21, 2022, 12:56 PM
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Tim Weah scored the first goal of the United States World Cup campaign when he calmly slotted his shot into the bottom right corner of the net 35 minutes into the fixture against Wales.
Weah’s goal was the first for the United States at a World Cup in eight years following failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
TIM WEAH PUTS USA ON TOP pic.twitter.com/vinlFUxWGZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
United States Dominating The Numbers
The goal also solidified a dominating start to the United States campaign. The opening 35 minutes were dominated by the United States which controlled all meaningful statistics.
At the halftime interval, the USA dominated 67% of the possession and outshot Wales 3 to 2. The chances created in front of goal were far more dangerous, however, as the Welsh struggled to get star Gareth Bale involved.
The goal was beautifully constructed by the United States as they played out from their backline. Josh Sargent played a ball with his chest onto the running legs of Christian Pulisic who darted at the Welsh backline before perfectly waiting for his through pass onto the right foot of Weah.
Weah opted not to control the ball but rather strike the ball on his first touch with the outside of his right foot.
The stadium erupted, and the United States is well represented in Qatar. Throughout moments of the opening half U-S-A chants were heard loudly echoing throughout the Al Rayyan Stadium.
The USMNT is the second youngest team at the World Cup. Only Ghana has a younger roster than the USA. The United States average player is 25.2 years young.
Upcoming Group Stage Fixtures
The USMNT will next play England on Friday, November 25, with kickoff scheduled for noon at Al Bayt Stadium. England previously beat Iran, the final member of group B earlier on Monday 6-2.
The United States will close out group play against Iran on Tuesday, November 29, with kickoff scheduled for noon.
England leads the group on goal differential.