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First Team

Duo make World Cup debuts with Wales

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AFC Bournemouth AFC Bournemouth

Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore both played their part as Wales opened their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday evening. 

It was the country's first involvement in the tournament for 64 years as they took to the field against the USA in Qatar. 

A cagey game saw it end 1-1, with a second half Gareth Bale penalty securing a point for Rob Page's side. 

Mepham started the games for Wales, who were under pressure early on and conceded with 36 minutes on the clock. Tim Weah finished low after an impressive run and through ball by Christian Pulisic. 

With Moore introduced at half-time, Wales were buoyed and full of life as they searched for an all-important leveller. 

Ben Davies went close shortly before a header from the Cherries striker glanced just over the bar from a corner. 

With the clock ticking away, Bale was brought down on the turn in the box by Walker Zimmerman and duly stepped up to convert it moments later. 

Chances remained few and far between in the final stages and both teams had to settle for a point.

Following the match, manager Page was thrilled with the impact of Moore, who seemingly changed the game following his introduction at half-time. 

"The game suited Kieffer and we needed him to help us get up the pitch. We just couldn't play over their press and we couldn't play through. So, we just made a little tweak to play over into Kieffer to get up and it did make a big difference. It was a tactical move." 

Wales next take on Iran on Friday, where victory would place them well for qualification to the knockout stages. 

 

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