FIFA World Cup 2022: The tactics behind USA vs Wales in what was a tale of two halves – tactical analysis

The second day of action in the World Cup proved to be an exciting one, with USA and Wales providing the main event at the end of the day. Although it was only the first matchday in Group B, there was a lot at stake in Al Rayyan. With England being the clear-cut favourites out of the group, the second qualification spot is up for grabs between USA and Wales. With these circumstances, there was a certain knockout feel to this match.

The nerves were naturally high for both sides. For Wales, this is their first World Cup appearance since 1958. Led by former Real Madrid player and UEFA Champions League winner Gareth Bale, the pressure is on the Dragons to make it count. On the other hand, Gregg Berhalter leads a young yet golden American generation. With both nations looking to make a statement in this World Cup, the stakes could not have been higher.

The match proved to be a tale of two halves, with both teams enjoying their fair share of success. The final result of 1-1 was fair – if there is such a thing in football. Although Wales had a superior xG of 1.17, when the penalty is taken out of the equation, both teams sit around a similar value.

USMNT were the superior team in the first 45, with 66% possession and 0.55 xG compared to Wales’ 0.03. In the second half, the switch was flipped and although possession was split at 50/50, Wales had a much superior xG of 1.14 to 0.3.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine how each team looked to impose their tactics throughout the match. More specifically, this analysis will explore how exactly the USA were able to control the game and impose themselves in the first half, as well as how Rob Page was able to turn the match around and climb back to a draw in the second.

Lineups

As usual, the tactical battle began an hour before kick-off. When the team sheets were released, the starting line-ups were quite unexpected. Giovanni Reyna’s absence from the starting eleven was a surprise, especially as many thought the 20-year-old would be the creative key to breaking down Rob Page’s low block. Similarly, the Premier League’s Brenden Aaronson was also left out of Berhalter’s midfield.

The 49-year-old North American manager lined up the USMNT in their usual 4-3-3. With Arsenal’s Matt Turner in goal, the backline consisted of Sergiño Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson. The midfield, which was the root of many supporters’ confusion, was composed of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah. Up top, Christian Pulisic was on the left, Josh Sargent in the middle, and Timothy Weah on the right. Rather than going for a more technical and creative midfield, Gregg opted for a more physical one. While this proved successful out of possession, the North Americans could have inflicted much more damage with the ball.

For Wales, Page lined up the Dragons in a 3-5-2. Depending on the match or scenario, Page likes to switch between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3, as both formations provide distinct tactical dynamics. Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson was surprisingly left out of the squad as the 48-year-old manager opted for a 3-5-2. Wayne Hennessey was behind Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, and Ben Davies. Connor Roberts and Neco Williams were the wingbacks while Ethan Ampadu, Aaron Ramsey, and Harry Wilson composed the midfield. Daniel James and Gareth Bale were the two centre-forwards. Kieffer Moore’s absence from the starting eleven was also a surprise when the team sheets came out, but Page quickly realised his mistake and introduced the Bournemouth striker at halftime.

Control through pressing

Before the match, it was expected that Gregg Berhalter’s side would dominate possession. Although their final possession figure was 58%, in the first half, this control was much more significant. What allowed for such high control of the game, however, was not solely their work in possession. From the very beginning, USMNT looked to press high and aggressively to keep Wales from constructing any real danger.