Wales 2-1 Austria: Gareth Bale double sends Rob Page's men into World Cup play-off final

Gareth Bale scored in either half as Wales booked their place in the World Cup play-off final by beating Austria 2-1 in Cardiff.

The Real Madrid star struck a sweet free-kick midway through the first-half before drilling home in the 51st minute to take his international tally of goals to 38. Marcel Sabitzer's deflected strike gave Austria hope in what was a frenetic encounter at Cardiff City Stadium. But Rob Page's men held on to move within one victory of a first World Cup appearance since 1958.

Head coach Page promised his side would be aggressive in their approach to the contest. And his words were reflected in his team selection, with plenty of attackers included in the lineup.

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Harry Wilson, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey operated in front of a back three, with Neco Williams and Connor Roberts being deployed as wing-backs. It allowed Bale and Daniel James to lead the line against an Austrian side littered with talent.

And it was the visitors who should have gone ahead after just five minutes as Sabitzer played Christoph Baumgartner through on goal, but the Hoffenheim attacker's curling strike cannoned off the top of Wayne Hennessey's crossbar. On his 99th cap, Hennessey had the impressive Williams to thank for getting the faintest of touches on the seemingly goalbound effort.

Page's men looked threatening on the break, and Ramsey was unable to stretch far enough to poke James' cross home moments after Wales survived that major scare. The tension was palpable, although the Red Dragons looked threatening, particularly when Williams got into attacking areas.

Following a brief period of pressure, Wales were presented with the chance to test