Wales 2-1 Austria: Gareth Bale makes a great position
Are you watching Real Madrid? Gareth Bale makes an astonishing stance – including a sensational free kick – to send Wales to the World Cup final after an astonishing victory over Austria in Cardiff
- Gareth Bale scored on both sides of the half in an incredible display in Cardiff
- The criticized Real Madrid forward started the goal with a fantastic free kick
- Six minutes into the second half, he doubled the lead with an effort from the top corner
- Ben Davies’ own goal after a Marcel Sabitzer attack created a nervous 25 minutes
- Wales are now playing against Ukraine or Scotland for a place in the World Cup finals
- After a 2-1 win, Wales are now 90 minutes from the first World Cup since 1958
You just have to wonder what they would have done about this on the continent.
After being branded a “parasite” by the Spanish media for his alleged poor commitment to Real Madrid and predilection for Wales’ duty, Gareth Bale once again proved that his doubters were wrong.
He may be 32 and not the player he was, but Bale is still capable of moments of outrageous, individual brilliance. Wales is now just one match from this year’s World Cup.
They will face either Scotland or the tragically war-torn Ukraine for a place in Qatar and if they get this far they will have Bale to thank.
His support here was not just pure class, but further proof that Bale is a man for the greatest occasions.
“Suck it”, the Wales captain seemed to shout into the camera after his stamp-free kick put his team ahead. When it came to messages to those who looked back in Spain, it was far from subtle.
“It is a World Cup final for us in many ways,” said Wales CEO Noel Mooney ahead of this match. Thanks to Bale, Rob Page’s side still has a chance to reach such a match.
Bale made it 2-0 and with the help of Aaron Ramsey, his team held on despite the late Austrian pressure. Bale and Ramsey were both ready to go. Bale arrived at a rocking Cardiff City Stadium with just 77 minutes of football under his belt since winning his 100th Welsh camp in November.
With their hopes of reaching Qatar on the line, a nervous tension bubbled up in the Cardiff cauldron, that was until Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau struck. It was spineting.
Pages selection was attacking. Wales tried to get up on the front foot. Connor Roberts pressed hard, allowing Dan James to see the target, but the hosts should have been behind soon.
Marko Arnautovic’s pass shared the Welsh three – man defense. Christoph Baumgartner was clean through, but could only tilt the finish from the crossbar. Baumgartner simply had to score.
It was a huge resolution for Wales. Slowly they began to build up a steam head. Neco Williams danced down to the left. Ramsey radiated class and often picked up pockets of space. Bale had been silent.
But when Baumgartner blocked Harry Wilson and received a warning, no one else took the Welsh free kick. Bale stepped up, his fantastic set-piece darting into the top corner.
It was pure perfection.
The helpless Austrian goalkeeper Heinz Lindner looked on in surprise. Bale ran to the corner flag, unable to hold back his joy as a capacity Welsh audience lost all their senses.
Arnautovic tried to turn back Austria’s path. David Alaba hit a free kick. Still, Wales were ticking now and only Lindner refused them to double their advantage before the break.
Wales countered and in pace. Ramsey was played out into space on his favored right foot. His shot was powerful and appeared to be intended for the net. Lindner’s save was exceptional.
Arnautovic had a tame header saved at the beginning of the second half.
Bale made him pay. Dan James led a Welsh counterattack and got a corner, the Leeds man then took the deadlock briefly. Ben Davies made a run for the ball.
When it fell to Bale, the result was inevitable. His finish was flawless. The net rippled.
Off Bale charged to the corner flag once again. Suitable for Wales? You bet.
Wales now had an important respite.
James should have made it 3-0 on another rapier-like break, but across the line Wales delivered. Bale, Williams and Ramsey were all outstanding. Joe Allen’s calming presence should not be underestimated. Alaba’s free kick hit the Welsh wall, but Page’s men had an invaluable lead.
Bale shot over and looked for his hat trick, but all of a sudden Austria had a lifeline. Maybe it was desperation, but Marcel Sabitzer tried his luck from the edge of the box.
The shot hit Davies and died over Wayne Hennessey, the goal given after a VAR check to see if Arnautovic had been offside in the build-up. James had a shot saved and then had a new outburst all the time in the world to score. He took the chance. It was criminal.
Bale appealed for a penalty after another free kick hit the wall and his team had to defend like lions in a nervous final to extend the longest home run in Welsh history to 17 matches. They did just that where Bale was replaced late. He had been out on his feet holding the groin while Ramsey walked the stretch heroically even though he felt in the groin. These two Welsh greats are not ready yet.
Scotland or Ukraine are likely to fight to overthrow Wales in Cardiff in June.
This is how the playoff drama developed …
Advertisement