Wales suffer injury blow after first World Cup match in Qatar
Written By
Ernest SundayFreelance football and education writer
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Innocent BenjaminWriter | Editor | SEO expert
The Wales national team got off to a good start in their opening game against the United States in the 2022 Qatar World Cup at Al Rayyan Stadium, scoring a late penalty kick equaliser to earn a point.
The match, which was the fourth of the 2022 World Cup tournament, ended in a 1-1 draw after Gareth Bale's well-taken penalty in the 82nd minute cancelled Timothy Weah's first-half opener.
Though Wales were delighted with the outcome of their first World Cup match in 64 years, the Dragons were dealt a blow when three of their players were forced to withdraw due to injury concerns.
Former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams was substituted in the 79th minute of the game over an injury in which he was seen shaking his head, while Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu was also taken off over a serious challenge. Fulham's gifted winger, Harry Wilson, was also taken off due to an injury issue in the last minutes of the game.
Though the injuries have yet to be diagnosed, the Dragons will hope for a positive outcome before their next match.
The draw against the United States puts Wales in second place in Group B of the Qatar World Cup, behind only neigbours, England, which defeated Iran 6-2.
On Friday, November 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Al Rayyan Stadium, Wales will face Iran in their second World Cup qualifying encounter. The southwestern nation of Great Britain will hope to get their first victory in the World Cup tournament when they face the west Asian underdog.