Wales fans gatecrash packed American bar and go absolutely mad when Gareth Bale scores
Gareth Bale struck a late penalty to level the scores with the US team in their World Cup opener in Qatar
A small group of Wales football fans watching their World Cup opener against the USA in an American bar didn't hold back one bit when celebrating Gareth Bale's equaliser.
In the footage filmed by Antony McCloskey at Ye Olde King’s Head bar in Santa Monica, California, on Monday night, a packed sports bar full of US supporters falls silent as Bale prepared to step up to the penalty spot in the 82nd minute in Doha hoping to get Wales back on level terms.
The Americans had taken an early lead through Timothy Weah in the group B match, before Wales found their footing and got back into the contest. The introduction of Kieffer Moore turned the game in Rob Page's favour and late on Bale was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded.
After a few puffs of the the cheeks, the Wales skipper stepped up and slammed the ball past Matt Turner to send a nation of three million into raptures - with five members of the Red Wall in this pub in California also going ballistic.
There was no muted celebrations here given the surroundings, just full-on jubilation and beer flying all over the shop.
Mr McCloskey:
"I was over in Los Angeles for a break planned around seeing The Smashing Pumpkins at The Hollywood Bowl and Elton John at Dodger Stadium. I knew Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica would be showing the football, as I saw a Cardiff City game there a few years ago. When I got in the bar it was packed full and I was surprised to see around 10 to 12 Wales supporters in there all wearing shirts. The ones I talked to were people who were now working in the LA area. The local kick-off time was 11am.
"One Welsh fan originally from Ebbw Vale told me he got there at 4am to make sure of a place. Most of the support was of course for the USA, and the bar erupted when they scored. At half time there was an all-American playlist to ramp up the atmosphere for the locals, which included Springsteen’s Born in the USA and James Brown’s Living in America.
"Second half we came more into the game, and when Bale equalised from the spot all the Wales supporters were jumping around celebrating, with beer going everywhere. The Americans took it all in good spirits and were great hosts, making us all feel welcome."
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