Wales’ first World Cup game in 64 years ‘worth the wait’, says Rob Page after Gareth Bale penalty

Rob Page says Wales’ first World Cup game in 64 years was “worth the wait”.

After a lacklustre first-half in which Timothy Weah had put the USA a goal ahead, Gareth Bale first won and then scored a crucial penalty in a dramatic 1-1 draw.

The result leaves Group B wide open after England’s routine win over Iran earlier on Monday, with Wales holding a great chance to move top – for a few hours at least - should they overcome Carlos Queiroz’s side on Friday.

Many of the heroes who took Wales to the semi-finals at Euro 2016 were heavily relied upon once more, though it was the introduction of Kieffer Moore that helped change the game.

The Bournemouth striker replaced Daniel James at half-time and served as a focal point, allowing the likes of Bale and Aaron Ramsey to get into the game. From there, Wales had a platform upon which to build another memory.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Page said: “To go a goal behind against a good team like the U.S., we showed character, credit to the lads for coming back and getting a point.

“When we got the penalty we knew who was taking it, one million percent. He’s never let us down has he? It’s all about Bale and rightly so.

"It was 64 years but worth the wait.

"To see the Red Wall (Wales fans) celebrating was incredible."