A youthful United States men's national team learned some lessons as it opened the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The positives included a roaring start against Wales highlighted by a signature moment from one of the USMNTs young stars, but they were tempered by a late defensive mistake that allowed the Welsh to salvage a 1-1 draw in the teams' Group B opener.
While the result ultimately felt like a letdown considering the momentum the U.S. had through much of the match, coach Gregg Berhalter's side played with confidence as a new generation of USA players got their World Cup baptism after missing out on Russia 2018.
Here are some of the highlights from the USMNT's opening game in Qatar:
MORE: Can USA make it out of Group B at FIFA World Cup?
Tim Weah goal highlights
The USA controlled the run of play throughout the opening half, attacking up both wings via Antonee Robinson (left) and Sergino Dest (right), but the Americans ultimately broke through going up the center of the pitch.
#USMNT had 66% of the first-half possession, and the goal came on a rare foray up the middle of the field... pic.twitter.com/PbHESN2KfL
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) November 21, 2022
In the 36th minute, USA star Christian Pulisic sliced up the middle, surrounded by five Wales players, before laying it off to an unmarked Tim Weah cutting into the middle of the penalty area.
The youngster's first touch was golden, as he coolly redirected the pass off the outside of his right foot and drove it past sliding Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to send USA fans at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium into hysterics.
THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
TIM WEAH PUTS USA ON TOP pic.twitter.com/vinlFUxWGZ
Reactions around the United States to Tim Weah’s goal against Wales 🇺🇸❤️ #WorldCupWatchParty pic.twitter.com/htesc9I3Dw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
That strike was enough to give the U.S. momentum at the midway point, as they took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
MORE: Who is Tim Weah's father? USMNT star follows footsteps of a soccer icon
Wales target Pulisic
The Welsh side recognized that Pulisic would be a threat and the American proved it on the goal.
That also made Pulisic a steady target of the Welsh players:
There's been no shortage of contact when Pulisic is near the ball 😬 pic.twitter.com/ryPcePANq6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Matt Turner's big save for the USA
In the second half, Wales came out with intensity and the Americans were on their heels for large stretches. They needed this big save by starting goalkeeper Matt Turner to maintain the 1-0 lead.
WHAT A SAVE BY TURNER ✋😤@USMNT pic.twitter.com/H90mdoWWJQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Gareth Bale goal on penalty
With about 10 minutes remaining an overly aggressive challenge by USA defender Walker Zimmerman gifted Wales a penalty.
PENALTY FOR WALES pic.twitter.com/B0aL5DasgW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
And Wales star Gareth Bale made no mistake against Matt Turner.
Bale sends the penalty home and ties it for Wales! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/XCU4Hohfd9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
USA yellow cards
Despite their early dominance in the match, the USA experienced some frustrations with the officiating.
Twice in a three-minute span early in the game, Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim went to his pocket to hand out yellow cards to U.S. players for challenges he deemed rash. Sergino Dest was booked in the 11th minute and Weston McKennie in the 13th, with both players vigorously protesting the calls.
Dest is given a yellow card after this challenge pic.twitter.com/5jQhF7IOx6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
MORE: Yellow card rules at the 2022 World Cup — when does suspension kick in?
The bookings balanced out later in the half as Gareth Bale and Chris Mepham were cautioned for Wales, but U.S. defender Tim Ream joined those sitting on a yellow card in the 51st minute.
Bale is given a yellow card after this challenge pic.twitter.com/aE8TIUP9WC
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Players receiving two yellow cards during the World Cup must sit out their team's next game, so any caution can have a long-lasting impact on a nation's hopes.