A Tactical Preview of Wales vs USA
The first USA World Cup will come against a team that hasn't been to a World Cup in 68 years.
A short history of the Wales National Team
Although Wales qualified for the previous two European Championships - reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and the second round last year - this is their first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1958.
This will play a part in Wales’ performance where they’ll likely play with little pressure from back home. The USA will need to be careful of the emotional aspect of this game and make sure to contain Wales’ intensity. It will be important to not let the pressure of the moment create easy opportunities for Wales.
"For us, we're going in with the mindset of taking each game as it comes, we're going to give 110% and whatever comes of that it's been a successful journey for us.
"We'll be doing everything we can to qualify out of the group and go as far as we can but we just need to do what we do best and give all our hearts for the shirt."
Captain Gareth Bale said before leaving for Qatar.
How does Wales like to play?
Wales usually set up in a 5-2-3 with solid players in every position. Their centerbacks are physical and can put in a strong tackle. There is very little space allowed when the opposing team enters their half. Sometimes you’ll find that 5 in the back formations don’t necessarily stay in that formation for long, choosing to attack with 3 defenders but that’s not the case with Wales. A 5-2-3 means a 5-2-3.
Their formation is quite rigid and you’ll almost always be able to trace the 5-2-3 formation while watching. The front three is an interesting aspect of Wales attack as there is a lot of interchanging positions across the forward line, even between 6’5 forward Kieffer Moore. Gareth Bale and Dan James will switch sides throughout the game and try to open spaces for counterattacks.
Wales will attack in two different and distinct ways. While having more of the possession Wales will push their physical strikers into the box and look for crossing opportunities from their fullbacks Nico Williams and Connor Roberts. When defending in their shape, they’re not afraid to play direct into space for Bale or James to run into. This is a conundrum for the USA starting XI as Tim Ream gives you solidity against crosses to Kieffer Moore, but lacks recovery speed if Wales decide to play direct.
Where are their strengths?
Coincidentally Wales have almost the exact opposite strengths and weaknesses as the USA. Wales have a trustworthy and talented centerback core, and have multiple options up front to score goals.
Players like Spur’s Ben Davies and Bournemouth’s Chris Mephan help keep cleansheets, and Gareth Bale, Dan James, and Kieffer Moore are more than capable of scoring a few.
Depending on who starts next to Walker Zimmerman for the US, Wales can decide to play a certain way that gives them an advantage. Striker Brennan Johnson can also give Wales a different look up top, switching out the physicality of Moore for the speed of Johnson.
What are their weaknesses?
Wales struggle possessing and controlling games through the midfield. This happens for two reasons: The first being their defensive formation only provides two players in the middle so in almost every game they are outnumbered. The second being because of the personnel available. Joe Allen has had a great career but is currently in the twilight at Swansea, and Aaron Ramsey is slowly recovering from injury at Nice.
Thinking through the gameplan of each team, the midfield battle will surely go in the favor of the US.
How should USA set up against Wales?
While we can expect the US to play a 4-3-3 in this match they’ll need to focus on a few specific tactical aspects to come away with 3 points.
The midfield battle needs to be won and ruthlessly controlled by Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah. This is the one area where the USA can take full advantage of their superior talent… woah that feels weird to say.
In attack the US forward line needs to drag Wales’ defenders with them leaving space for second runners. Whether that’s with enough room to run in behind or in the box itself like this chance from Ukraine.
In Defense the US will need to be careful committing too many players forward and make sure they don’t leave themselves vulnerable to 3v2 counter-attacking opportunities. One way to do this is tasking Tyler Adams and the more defensive 8 to stay back when the fullbacks move into attacking spaces.
What to expect?
This is going to be a game where emotions on both sides will be running incredibly high. Sometimes when that happens there is no telling what will happen. Add to that my opinion that where the US is strong Wales is weak, and where Wales is strong the US is weak.
In the end that probably means a 1-1 draw, but this should be one of the better tactical matches in the first group matchdays.
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Nice breakdown. Another strength of Wales is that this group is very cohesive and mentally tough. I think that the US will dominate possession, but I just don't know if we'll finish our chances. It will likely take two goals to win.
Nice analysis. I'm really thinking that the midfield advantage will be telling. 2-1 or 3-1 USA.