Wales left with lots to ponder following goalless draw in their friendly match with the United States of America at the Liberty Stadium.
In a match with few clear-cut chances, Wales and the USA played out a 0-0 draw on the home side’s return to the Liberty Stadium for international action.
Rob Page – standing in for manager Ryan Giggs this week – was left frustrated by a display that will need to be built upon ahead of this week’s Republic of Ireland and Finland matches in the Nations League. Gareth Bale was a noticeable absentee from the matchday squad, with Page opting not to risk the talisman with more important games ahead.
Chris Gunter captained the side, and in doing so won his 98th Cap, as the Charlton Athletic defender nears a century of appearances for the Dragons.
Elsewhere in the squad, Josh Sheehan of Newport County and Lincoln City’s Brennan Johnson were awarded their first caps, coming on as substitutes in the second half.
The match played under the lights and intermittent drizzle struggled to get going. The visitors were confident in possession with full-backs Antonee Robinson and Barcelona’s Sergino Dest were lively up and down each flank, but neither were able to find the killer pass to unlock the Welsh defence.
Kiefer Moore put in a real shift in the first half, winning most ariel duels and a number of free-kicks for his side, but was unable to direct his back-post header from Harry Wilson’s free-kick on target in the game’s first real chance.
Tom Lawrence was next to have an effort on goal, his shot from the edge of the area was well saved low by the American goalkeeper Zach Steffen, after some great link-up play by Moore – who was forced to drop back to see the ball.
Moments later, the visitors had a glorious chance of their own. A mistake in defence by Matt Smith who flicked the ball straight at Konrad de la Fuente. The attacker was able to turn with the ball but his effort was blasted over Danny Ward’s goal from eight yards out.
The USA came close just before the break with more great work down the right-wing by the tricky Dest, who’s low delivery was flicked towards goal by Sebastian Lletget, only to see his effort blocked by a combination of Tom Lockyer and Danny Ward.
In the second period, it was more of the same, with the away side the more confident on the ball and having the best chances to score. Danny Ward was forced to save from Weston McKenna and Gio Reyna, both of whom shooting from the edge of the area.
The best save of the lot was reserved for Ward’s effort down low to his right-hand side to parry away Ulysses Llanez’ effort. The striker, who had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds, capitalized on a heavy touch from Welsh debutant Sheehan to strike at goal. The ball was tipped wide for a corner by Ward, in for the injured Wayne Hennessey in the Welsh goal.
It was a match that will not be remembered as a classic, by any means, but it was a good chance for Rob Page to see what worked, and what didn’t, ahead of the more important matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the coming days, as the Nations League group stages conclude.
Wales: Ward; Gunter (c), J Lawrence (Rodon 69), Lockyer, Roberts; Smith (Sheehan 45), Levitt (Morrell 80); T Lawrence, Wilson, Matondo (Johnson 61); Moore (James 61)
USA: Steffen; Dest (Cannon 86), Brooks, Miazga, Robinson; Adams (Cardoso 71), McKennie, Lletget (Otasowie 86); Reyna (Weah 79), Musah (Gioacchini 79), De La Fuente (Llanez 71)
See how Wales played to a goalless draw at the Liberty here:
(Featured Image: Christopher Elkins)
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