USA vs. Wales 11/21/22 World Cup Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

The United States and Wales face off on Monday to kick off their World Cup in a Group B soccer showdown at Al Rayyan Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The winner of this game could be the second team that makes it out of this group. 

Wales will be playing their first World Cup game in 64 years when they face off with the USA on Monday. There were some questions heading into the World Cup about Gareth Bale, but he has made it clear that he’s ready to play 90 minutes in all 3 group match games. Joe Allen has been banged up heading into this game, but it’s expected that he’s going to be ready to play in this game. Defender Rhys Norrington-Davies suffered an injury last month, and won’t be able to go in this game. That is a big loss for this defense. Wale’s last game came against Poland in the Nations League, and they were defeated 1-0. 

On the other side of this matchup is the United States, who had a few surprises heading into the World Cup. Goalie Zack Steffen was left off the roster, and it’s expected Matt Turner is going to start in goal in this game. The attacking third of this roster is the strength of this team. Christian Pulisic is the star of this team and with the lights the brightest, they are going to need him to be good. If the United States can advance out of the group stage will probably hinge on his play. Weston McKennie is expected to start in the midfield. On September 27th they faced off against Saudi Arabia and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. They had 55 percent of the possession, but only managed two shots on goal. 

I think people are overlooking the defense of the United States heading into this tournament. The US defense is going to find success in slowing down Bale. Look for Pulisic to be the best player on the pitch, and he is going to find a way to score a goal. The United States will find the back of the net at least once, and they will pick up the three points here. Back USA on the money line.