In what was their first game at the World Cup in 64-years, Bale scored an equaliser to earn the draw against America.

The USA took the lead in the Group B tie through a Tim Weah goal, but the Dragons relied on their skipper to score the equaliser from the penalty spot with some eight minutes left on the clock.

Following the match, Bale lauded the determination of this team, although he conceded that earning three points would have been more satisfying than adding a World Cup to this already impressive footballing CV.

“Not a good first half, to be honest, they played well and we played poor,” said Bale, who now plies his trade in the USA for Los Angeles FC.

“Great talk by the gaffer at halftime and the boys came out fighting and battling like we always do. It's a great point from where we were, we showed character again like in Euro 2020 and we go again.”

In his turn, the Welsh coach, Rob Page, said he hopes they can build on their solid start when they face Iran on Friday.

“To go a goal behind against a very good team like the USA, it's similar to the Euros for us.

“We showed character and determination. It's important to start a tournament that you don't lose the game, so credit to the lads.”

In Tuesday’s other games, England ran riot in thumping Iran 6-2, while the Netherlands left it till late to earn a 2-0 win over Senegal.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport