Wales are still underdogs to get out the group - Page

Robert Page says Wales remain outsiders to qualify for the World Cup's knockout stages after a dramatic opening day of Group B action.

England took early control of the section by thrashing Iran 6-2 before Wales had to rely on captain Gareth Bale to salvage a 1-1 draw against the United States.

Bale, who moved level with Chris Gunter on 109 caps - the record for the Wales men's national team - cancelled out Timothy Weah's first-half strike from the penalty spot eight minutes from time after Tim Ream had clattered into him.

Wales boss Page said: "Look at the pool of players England have got, it was a big ask for Iran to get anything out of the game.

"England are favourites, USA are second favourites. But there will be a few surprises along the way.

"We're just planning for a tough game on Friday (against Iran) and that takes us into the last game against England."

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 Kieffer 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,