Gareth Bale: Wales in 'great position' to qualify for European Championship
Saturday 28 March 2015 19:58, UK
Gareth Bale believes Wales are in a "great position" to reach their first major tournament in 57 years after beating Israel 3-0 in Haifa to go top of their European Qualifiers group.
Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring with a well-placed header right on half-time, before Bale doubled their advantage three minutes after the interval with a superb free-kick.
Israel defender Eitan Tibi's 51st-minute dismissal gave Wales' attackers further room and Bale scored his second in emphatic style 13 minutes from time to complete a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The victory propelled Wales to top of Group B - with 11 points from their five matches - and Bale admitted they have put themselves in the driving seat to qualify for their first major tournament since 1958.
"We knew what a big game it was, it's a top-of-the-table clash and we don't often get to say that, and to come out on top is amazing," the Real Madrid forward told Sky Sports.
"We've put ourselves in a great position.”
Despite the victory Bale warned that there is still a long way to go before Wales can start dreaming of France 2016 and qualifying for their first European Championship.
“We're only halfway there, there's still a lot of games to go and anything can happen,” the 25-year-old added.
"But we've put ourselves in a good position and all we can do is keep fighting, keep working hard and hopefully our performances and results can do the talking."
