Gareth Bale brace edges Wales closer to World Cup qualification with Austria win

Wales are one game away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, having beaten Austria 2-1 to triumph in their play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium. A deafening rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau set the tone for the evening, with the stands crackling with anticipation at kick off. Both sides seemed to feed off the atmosphere, with a frantic, end-to-end start punctuated by a smart through-ball from Marcel Sabitzer which saw Christoph Baumgartner steal in behind and rattle the post.

Ad/> Wales came right back at their opponents, with Connor Roberts and Neco Williams creating a succession of chances from the wing-back positions. The hosts won a menacing free kick when Harry Wilson drove towards the box and was body checked by Baumgartner, with Gareth Bale stepping up to take it. World Cup Qualification UEFAWales secure play-off spot with draw against Belgium16/11/2021 AT 18:49 In a moment which encapsulated Bale’s talismanic influence for his national side, he lifted the ball over the wall and sent it dipping into the top corner with impossible ease.

Austria goalkeeper Heinz Lindner could only watch as it dropped into the back of the net, sending the home crowd into raptures. Wales adopted a counter-attacking stance for the rest of the first half and, despite ceding the majority of possession to Austria, looked far likelier to score. Only a fingertip save from Lindner at full stretch stopped Aaron Ramsey from extending their lead, with the ball rippling the outside of the net instead of whistling in at the near post.