In the second round of Group B action, the United States started off strong with a one-goal lead, but the game took a turn for the worse when Bale equalized in the 36th minute with a long range shot. In the second half, Wales attacked, and in the 82nd minute, a Welsh player was fouled in the penalty area, giving Bale a penalty kick, making the score 1-1. Although the U.S. had nearly 60% possession of the ball throughout the game, and the number of shots on goal was similar to the U.S. team's, 6 vs. 7, the U.S. team's only shot on goal was the turning point of the game. And with three shots on goal from Wales, the intensity of the game was evident.
Moving to the third match in Group A, the Netherlands defeated Senegal 2-0 as the new African champions failed to break the deadlock. Although Senegal did not have a super striker to add to the mix, their defense was solid and even out-shot the Dutch 15-10. However, Senegal's shooting efficiency was woefully low. As the match was coming to an end, the Dutch attacked on the left side in the 84th minute, De Jong skillfully passed the ball to the goal, Klaassen added a shot before Senegalese goalkeeper Mendy's header to break the Senegalese defense.
