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‘The sole reason we didn’t win’: Internet blasts Walker Zimmerman for costing USMNT’s FIFA World Cup win

Walker Zimmerman, took down Gareth Bale inside the penalty box bringing the entire game to a standstill as the referee signaled a penalty

AR-RAYYAN, QATAR: The USMNT looked in immense form as the first goal at the Qatar 2022 World Cup came in the 36th minute against the Welsh national team by Timothy Weah. The US team was displaying dominance with strong possession and Weah was trouble for the defenders with the ball. However, things went downhill minutes before the game ended resulting in a draw as Walker Zimmerman acted recklessly inside the box. The fans, who were hoping for a clear win, were furious. 

The United States Men’s National Team kicked off their first World Cup game in eight years and walked away with just one point. Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah were the highlights of the game as Pulisic assisted Weah's goal which put USMNT in the lead. The Chelsea player, affectionately known as 'Captain America' by his fans, had 36 touches and completed 14 of his 18 passes in the first half. Till the 82nd minute, the team was in a tough spot. However, this is when the disaster happened as the 29-year-old player, Zimmerman, took down Gareth Bale inside the penalty box bringing the entire game to a standstill. Bale did not miss the opportunity and scored the leveler. USMNT's fans couldn't help but slam Zimmerman online for his actions.

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One very disappointed user tweeted, "Walker Zimmerman, what were you thinking?! #USMNT #FIFAWorldCup" Another user trolled Zimmerman's decision of tackling Bale when his back was to the goal and wrote, "He was thinking that if he successfully tackled Bale, his buddies would be buying him beers for the rest of the playoffs." One user tweeted, "He's the sole reason we didn't win the game, Bale's back was to the goal and wasn't a threat completely needless smh."

One user tweeted, "The thing that actually pisses me off the most is that Walker Zimmerman had the audacity to wave his finger to the ref and say no pen with full confidence when he made that tackle" Another user reflected on Zimmerman's lack of experience and wrote, "Walker Zimmerman is a man who has never played in a league higher than Major League Soccer. Somehow, he is starting in a World Cup game." One more user tweeted, "That's an utterly moronic challenge by Walker Zimmerman. You just can't do that. Best #USMNT CB makes a gargantuan mistake. Just so so stupid."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.