SWINDON Town forward Jonny Williams could still play a part in Wales’ World Cup campaign after manager Rob Page stated the country’s extra squad depth will serve them well for the remainder of the tournament.
Williams was an unused substitute as the Dragons kicked off their Group B campaign with a 1-1 draw against the United States of America on Monday night.
Timothy Weah had put the USA in front during a first half in which Wales were well below the standards which saw them reach the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
But a much-improved second-half performance, greatly helped by a few half-time alterations by Page, and Gareth Bale’s 83rd-minute penalty helped Wales remain in with a good chance of reaching the knockout stages.
Post-match, Page was quizzed on his side’s longevity after a couple of players were substituted due to cramp or minor knocks.
He said: “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 (Moore) 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.”
Wales’ first match at the World Cup for 64 years – the longest wait of any nation between successive appearances at the tournament – looked like turning into a damp squib after a first half that the USA completely dominated.
Joe Rodon almost headed into his own goal and Josh Sargent struck a post before Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic freed Weah, who converted in clinical style.
Wales failed to lay a glove on the USA in a one-sided first half, but the introduction of Moore after the break changed the course of the contest.
Page said: “We just needed to be braver on the ball. I’m not sure if it was the occasion, first game nerves.
“When you have (Aaron) Ramsey, (Harry) Wilson and (Ethan) Ampadu, you want them on the ball.
“I wanted them to be braver on the ball and we were a lot better in the second half.
“Lessons have been learned. We didn’t have to win the game, but it was important we didn’t lose it.
“We got the goal, and I thought if anyone was going to win the game in the last 10 minutes it would be us.”
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