Bale saved the Welsh team from defeat

Gareth Bale rescued Wales with a late penalty to snatch a 1-1 draw with the United States in their World Cup Group B clash in Qatar.

It cancelled out Tim Weah's superb first-half goal for the Americans which had threatened to ruin Wales's return to the World Cup after a 64-year absence.

Bale's equaliser triggered roars from a large and raucous contingent of Wales fans in a crowd of 43,418 fans at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on the outskirts of Doha.

Until that moment it looked as if Wales were heading for a defeat, struggling to break down a skillful and energetic US squad that is the second youngest at the tournament.

The positive early play almost resulted in a goal after just nine minutes when Sergino Dest played in Weah down the right.

Tottenham's Ben Davies almost headed Wales level on 64 minutes but was denied by US goalkeeper Matt Turner with an acrobatic parry over the bar.

Moore powered a header just over from the ensuing corner.

The US dropped deeper and Wales pressed more aggressively as they chased an equaliser.

On 80 minutes Ramsey surged down the right and cut back for Bale, who shielded the ball and tempted Zimmerman into a wild lunge.

Welsh skipper Bale lashed home an 82nd-minute spot kick after earning the penalty moments earlier when defender Walker Zimmerman crashed into the former Real Madrid star.

Wales face Iran on Friday in their second Group B game while the United States face England, 6-2 winners over the Iranians earlier on Monday.