USA-Wales thriller sets up pivotal test after England’s big statement: World Cup daily

World Cup‘s first multi-game day was a doozy from start to finish. England handled business against Iran, Netherlands pulled away late against Senegal, and the United States settled for a hard-fought draw with Wales.

The action doesn’t stop there — Tuesday’s matches will see global superstar Lionel Messi start his quest to lead Argentina to a coveted third title, and Mexico looking to stifle Robert Lewandowski and an intriguing Poland side.

Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you may have missed from Monday’s World Cup happenings.

– World Cup news, features, previews, and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+

The lead: USMNT-Wales was frantic; England thrash Iran

The United States were minutes from holding to a win over Wales, but a late penalty by Gareth Bale ensured the game finished thrilling 1-1 draw (yes, they exist) in Monday’s Group B clash.

Tim Weah, who scored the United States’ goal in the first half, was both dynamic in the attack and in defense. Just when it looked like the US might survive, Wales was handed a lifeline when Walker Zimmerman‘s clumsy challenge on Bale was rightly whistled as a penalty. Bale slammed home the ensuing spot kick, giving Wales a priceless point, one that looked unlikely for much of the evening.

As ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle writes, the 1-1 draw is a result that will stick in the U.S. team’s craw. It was minutes away from claiming all three points, and putting it in a position in which it could control its own destiny in Group B ahead of a big game against England.