Wales are set to make their 2022 World Cup debut when taking on the US men’s national team on Monday, November 21.
Historically, the American side holds the edge with a 1W-0L-1D head to head record. And while star figure Gareth Bale insists Wales is confident entering the match, he admitted the USMNT should not be underestimated.
“I have some experience of playing against and with some of the US team. They're a good young squad with some fantastic players,” he said.
“We're under no illusions that they're here to win the game just as we are. We know their weaknesses, I can't share them with you right now as long as we stick to our game plan and do what we do we'll be ok."
US men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter responded in a similar manner when asked about Wales, adding: “It's basically a Premier League squad.”
"I think that, at least to the American media, Wales is underrated," he told reporters. "When I look at their squad, it's basically a Premier League squad. To me, it's a really good squad, a formidable squad. They've been in international competition before, they know what it's like. And it's going to be a very difficult game."
Monday’s match is set to be a decisive one in Group B, with England standing as the favorites to advance and Wales and the United States trailing behind fighting for that second ticket to the round of 16.