Gareth Bale was on target for Wales, who drew 1-1 with United States of America in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener on Monday evening.
Wales were making their first appearance at the World Cup in 64 years, with Bale, Daniel James and Harry Wilson leading their attack. The United States, meanwhile, made their return after missing the 2018 showpiece, with Christian Pulisic their talisman upfront.
USA enjoyed a quick start as Joe Rodon almost conceded an own goal after heading a cross towards his own goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who made a great reflex save.
Gregg Berhalter's charges remained on the front foot, in a tightly contested encounter, with Wales sitting deep and looking to launch counter-attack.
In what was becoming a one-way traffic, USA broke the resistance of the Dragons ten minutes before the interval after Timothy Weah finished off a through ball by Pulisic in the box.
Rob Page's troops sprung to life after that, as they looked to make their case but they could not carve out chances, with the likes of Bale and James not given time on the ball, as USA went to the break with their lead intact.
Wales had a different approach in the second stanza by going direct after they brought on striker Keiffer Moore in place of James.
The Dragons looked more threatening in the early stages after the break, particularly from crosses, as Ben Davies almost equalised on 64 minutes with a header that needed an out-stretch save from goalkeeper Matt Turner, who parried his effort over the crossbar.
USA were weathering the storm in the closing stages and Berhalter did not take any chances with a couple of players on yellow cards substituted in the last quarter of an hour, including Sergino Dest while Haji Wright replaced Sargent upfront.
However, Wales' pressure eventually paid off with eight minutes remaining after they were awarded a spot-kick for a sliding challenge by Walker Zimmerman on Bale in the box. Bale got the equaliser for the Dragons with a thumping finish from the spot.
The game was on the edge in the dying minutes, with both sides looking to win but the stoppages spoiled the flow, as they settled for the share of the spoils, with one point apiece in Group B.
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