Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha. AP

A late Gareth Bale penalty rescued a draw for Wales against the USA in their first World Cup match in 64 years to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

Wales were completely dominated in the first half of the Group B clash and Timothy Weah gave the USA a deserved lead when he stabbed home following Christian Pulisic’s pass.

Rob Page’s side improved after the introduction of striker Kieffer Moore, with Ben Davies forcing a first save from USA goalkeeper Matt Turner and Moore heading over the bar.

And the equaliser came in the 82nd minute as USA defender Tim Ream crunched into the back of Bale in the box, with the Wales talisman thumping the penalty past Turner.

Wales play Iran in their second match of Group B on Friday, while England face the USA.

Starting line-ups at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium:.

United States (4-3-3)
Matt Turner; Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah; Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, Christian Pulisic
Coach: Gregg Berhalter (USA)

Wales (3-5-2)
Wayne Hennessey; Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies; Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson, Neco Williams; Gareth Bale, Daniel James
Coach: Rob Page (WAL)

Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (QAT)