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The US are back at the World Cup finals after missing the 2018 edition in dismal fashion following a defeat in Trinidad & Tobago in their final qualifier.
This time around, it was still a close run affair in a very difficult qualifying section where the top four nations were separated by just three points, but the USA managed to claim one of the three automatic spots, just ahead of Costa Rica.
Gregg Berhalter has raised a few eyebrows with his squad selection, leaving out a few players who have been regulars in the squad over the past few years, but after form had tailed off slightly in preparation for the finals, change was likely.
Following qualification, USA beat Morocco and Grenada while earning a draw against Uruguay, but a draw in El Salvador, only managed after an injury-time equaliser in the CONCACAF Nations League, plus defeat to Japan and a draw with Saudi Arabia in September friendlies brought some discontent.
The United States have reached the knockout round in four of their last seven tournament appearances, but they have failed to beat European opposition in their previous nine attempts, so if they want to progress this time, they will surely need to end that run with two UEFA nations in their group.
Wales’ form coming into the finals does not offer much optimism either, as they have not won since sealing their place in Qatar with that 1-0 success over Ukraine in the playoffs.
Although Wales qualified for the past two European Championships, they have not played at a World Cup since 1958.
“It’s probably the biggest honour we could have for our country, qualifying for a World Cup, something we haven’t done in 64 years,” said Bale.
“It’s history in our country. Schools are going to stop to watch our games [the second group game against Iran kicks off at 10:00 GMT]. Kids are going to miss school, fortunately for them.
“It’s a massive piece of history in our country and something we have all wanted for a long time.
“We have the support of the nation back home, no matter what happens, as long as we give 100% our country will love us for that.”
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No country has waited as long between a first and second World Cup appearance than Wales have done with their 64-year absence.
That barren spell was littered with painful tales of near misses, from Scotland in 1977 and 1985 to Romania in 1993 and the Republic of Ireland in 2017.
But Wales are now in the midst of a golden generation, ending their 58-year wait for a major tournament by qualifying for Euro 2016 – where they reached a historic first semi-final – and backing that up by reaching the second round of Euro 2020.
World Cup qualification continued to prove elusive, however, until Wales overcame Ukraine in their play-off final in June.
“Everybody’s dreamt of it for such a long time, so many close calls,” said Bale.
“For us to be the team that got over the line was incredible for us but, most importantly, the best thing was to do it for our country, to grow football and inspire another generation, and to get more kids playing football.
“By doing that we’ll hopefully have a stronger national team in the future. In 20 years’ time if someone is sat here and says we have inspired them then that’s incredible.”
Wales and the USA are joined in Group B by England and Iran, who play earlier on Monday.
“You look at England and USA, and naturally people will talking about them as the top two, and then ourselves and Iran,” said Wales manager Robert Page.
“But we know on our day, and we’ve proven in the Nations League against Belgium and against a very good Dutch team, that we can more than compete.
“We’re new to the tournament and there might be a few surprises along the way.
“There’s no pressure on us, we’re going to enjoy it, we’re going to compete and I’ve said to the group: ‘We’re not here to make the numbers up, we’re here because we’ve earned the right to be here, because we’re a good team, and I want to go and show the world how good we are’.”
Team news
Wales will be without influential midfielder Joe Allen, whose hamstring injury has kept him out since September.
Although the 32-year-old will miss the opening fixture against the USA, Wales are hopeful he will play some part in the group stage.
Allen is an important player for Wales, having played at the past two European Championships and earned a place in the official Uefa team of the tournament when Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Other than him, Wales have their entire 26-man World Cup squad to choose from for Monday’s match.
Bale has declared himself ready to start all three group games in the space of eight days despite featuring predominantly as a substitute for club side Los Angeles FC this season.
Aaron Ramsey, who like Bale and Allen is another veteran of the past two Euros, is also fit and available to start having played regularly for Nice.
Two of the USA’s most prominent players, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest, are fitness concerns.
Juventus midfielder McKennie and full-back Dest, on loan at AC Milan from Barcelona, have been struggling with thigh and adductor issues respectively.
But USA head coach Gregg Berhalter is confident both will feature against Wales, either from the start or as substitutes.
“We are looking at the game in its entirety and how we can be successful,” said Berhalter.
“We want to be aggressive and hurt them, but they have strengths and we want to be able to take them away.
“When picking a line-up we will be focusing on the guys who can execute from the onset, but solutions [off the bench] will be really important in this game and throughout the World Cup.
“They [Wales] are underrated. They are an experienced team with international experience. Solid backline, robust players, very physical, talented, difference makers up top with Bale, [Daniel] James, [Kieffer] Moore. Solid midfield and wing-backs that get forward.
“Overall it is a really solid team. Starting point is matching their intensity and a competitive mindset.”
Zack Steffen was expected to wear the gloves for the United States in Qatar, but an uninspiring season with Manchester City, which saw him replaced by Stefan Ortega as backup, has led to him losing his place in the squad altogether.
Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath are the two men set to battle it out to start in goal, and Arsenal man Turner played in both September friendlies so may have the upper hand.
Weston McKennie has not featured for Juventus since October, but he should be fit in time to feature from the start in midfield here.
The main strength for the US comes in the attacking third, with many options available to Berhalter, meaning one or two may be unfortunate to miss out, as Timothy Weah, Gio Reyna and Jesus Ferreira are all staking a claim to start in attack alongside Christian Pulisic.
Gareth Bale revealed earlier in the week that he is ready and prepared to play 90 minutes in all three of Wales’s group games if necessary, despite him being reduced to mainly cameo appearances since joining LAFC in MLS this year.
Joe Allen has been out injured since late September, and will not be risked in this encounter, but could return for their next game against Iran.
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However, defender Rhys Norrington-Davies has not been as fortunate, as the Sheffield United man will not play any part in the tournament for Wales, following his injury against Coventry City last month.
USA possible starting lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Long, A Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Aaronson; Reyna, Ferreira, Pulisic
Wales possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; C Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, B Davies, N Williams; Ampadu, Ramsey; Bale, Moore, James