Rob Page admits he got it wrong and takes full responsibilit

Rob Page admits he got it wrong and takes full responsibility as Gareth Bale details Wales huddle


Wales manager Rob Page delivered his verdict after his side clinched a 1-1 draw with USA in their opening World Cup game




Rob Page took full responsibility for the selection calls which led to Kieffer Moore replacing Daniel James during Wales' 1-1 World Cup draw with the United States of America.

Wales' wastefulness in possession was proving costly in the opening 45 minutes and the USA took full advantage when Christian Pulisic threaded through for Tim Weah to slot beyond Wayne Hennessey.

Bournemouth frontman Moore was summoned from the bench for the second half, with Fulham loanee James making way, and made a telling impact as his hold-up play was pivotal in helping the Red Dragons advance up the pitch and retain possession.



Page revealed USA's press was different to how he envisaged, which ensured he had to make the substitution at the break at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

"I take responsibility for that," Page said post-match. "Nothing against Daniel James at all. The way they played in the past, I thought we could play through the middle and play beyond their front three when they press. They changed the press.





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"We didn’t get any of the players on the ball and we were getting wave after wave of attack. He made a massive difference for us. Lessons have been learned from today. It was important we didn’t lose the game. The good thing we've got, if you look on the bench now, we've got Brennan [Johnson] playing in the Premier League, he came on and made an impact, Kieffer came on and made an impact. We have strength in depth, I can look over my shoulder to the bench and we've got players who can come on and have a real impact on games."

The draw means Wales remain firmly in the mix for a top two spot in Group B ahead of their remaining group-stage fixtures against Iran and England.

Bale led a speech in a post-match huddle with players and staff following the conclusion of the draw with Gregg Berhalter's side as Page's men go in search of victory against the Iranians on Friday.

The captain believes Wales' second-half showing in Qatar warranted a share of the spoils.

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Moore is now the go-to guy, as opposed to Bale or Ramsey. Legs have gone on both.

I've got a horrible feeling that first half has cost us getting into the Knockout stage.

I honestly feel the change should have happened halfway through the first half. It was blatantly obvious it was not working.

Thinking more deeply with regards the armband thing

Just imagine if the FAW went ahead with the Bale/One Love armband thing - he'd be on a ban now....think on...

Wales would've been potential losers at 1-0 possibly more.... he picked up the yellow in 40th minute, plus the hypothetical armband yellow - he'd have been off the pitch and Wales would've been down to 10 men for the second half and the dying moments of the first.

And Baleless for the coming matches.

WE had it in our hands to get through without having to worry about England. Page got it totally wrong and not just with dropping Moore. A complete fuckup, paid too much attention to the USA's reputation and not playing to our strengths.One of the poorest first half performances I've seen by Wales in a long time and if anyone ever wonders how a manager can affect a game you only have to watch us last night.

This as got goal difference written all over it.. could done with playing iran or England 1st .....draw was always a likely score in this game now we need really good score against iran to put pressure on usa ..... we need England to beat usa thats for sure

He said we where going with pace but against a team who are the youngest and probably fitess was cimpletly rhe wrong tactic you where never going to outpace them
Now we have to score more against iran than usa but they usa will have advantage of knowing our goal difference before they play iran a big f.ck up from page

He said we where going with pace but against a team who are the youngest and probably fitess was cimpletly rhe wrong tactic you where never going to outpace them
Now we have to score more against iran than usa but they usa will have advantage of knowing our goal difference before they play iran a big f.ck up from page

There defenders had little or no game time prior to the game as out injured.... no one can think he did not look at opposition before picking side? Think what cought him out was their pressing game something they did not do previous games... hindsight is great if you know how opposition will play against you they obviously change their normal style of play, But luckily we had plan B they didn't it's going to be close but knowing what is required is not always helpful and iran are not normally but as bad as they looked yesterday.

Camt take anything awy from the yanks, they played bloody well, did not stop running from start to finish. I think we are not given them the credit they deserve. I think we were lucky to get the draw.

Neither Bale or Ramsey are fit enough to be in the side - and after so long out, neither will Joe Allen. Reputations/loyalty will keep them in the team though. We will need to improve to beat Iran.
Ps Wilson was a bit part player against USA too.

Camt take anything awy from the yanks, they played bloody well, did not stop running from start to finish. I think we are not given them the credit they deserve. I think we were lucky to get the draw.

Lucky? Not sure that's right 1st half yes 2nd half we was as dominant as they were in 1st half.... draw fair result but think favoured usa more than us due to the order of the games

Hope page is watching belgium canada game Canada showing how its done attacking from the start not all this farting about across the back go forward with purpose down the wings

Hope page is watching belgium canada game Canada showing how its done attacking from the start not all this farting about across the back go forward with purpose down the wings

Sadly, Belgium have undeservedly just taken the lead. BUT the point is well made. The problem is that Page is an inexperienced manager taking charge of a team with 2 legends in it. No one doubts that is very difficult. BUT he has to be brave. I think he “bottled it” by taking Johnie Williams.
He needs to be his own man. He put out a midfield of Ampadou Wilson and Ramsey. You cant play a not match fit forward thinking Ramsey with Wilson who doesnt or can’t tackle. Ampadou worked his bollocks off to keep us from being overun. Wilsons role should be as an option from the bench. Bale and Ramsey can’t start against Iran for a poss 90 mins and then a few days later England. I hope Page goes by his own true beliefs and not just not upsetting big names.
Moore and Johnson should have started against USA. Also Id have taken off Wilson before James. Come on Page be brave… and comeon Cymru.

LENGEE

Lets be honest it was giggs that brought the young ones through page should try colwill but he will go with morrell in midfield everytime frightened to be his own man and tactics where shocking concidering he had all the time to prepare and the dros in the 1st half was probably the weakest attacking looking team in the tournament
We need to play like we did against russia in the euros attack attack i hate this modern football fannying about across the back like begium have.