Wales 2-1 Austria: Gareth Bale magic sends Wales closer to 2022 World Cup

Wales moved one step closer to their first World Cup since 1958 as Gareth Bale stole the show in a 2-1 win over Austria in the play-off semi-final.

Bale scored both of Wales' goals - the first a quite majestic free-kick from 25 yards on 25 minutes that flew into the top corner before smashing home a clinical second on 51 minutes.

Marcel Sabitzer gave the home fans a nervy last quarter to endure when striking home a deflected effort but Bale's decisive double was enough to keep the World Cup dream alive.

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Wales are attempting to qualify for a third major tournament in their last four attempts, however, they have not reached World Cup for 64 years, failing in their last 15 attempts to qualify.

A World Cup play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine awaits Wales now, although this has been put on hold until June because of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. What is certain is that Wales will be involved in next Friday's World Cup draw, so they will know their potential path and opponents.

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One of Bale's greatest nights...

"You're just to be good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you," rang out at the Cardiff City Stadium at full-time. A very apt backdrop as Bale led the celebrations around the pitch.

Bale came into the game with doubts over his fitness after missing Sunday's El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. He also knew that, with his 33rd birthday fast approaching, this year's World Cup acts as the last chance of him appearing on football's biggest stage. The same could be said for Aaron Ramsey, who machine-like in the midfield.

Bale has not even played 100 minutes of football since August - most would assume he's been on the golf course. They would be wrong. He has been practising his free-kicks, in appreciation that an opportunity like the one with 25 minutes on the clock would present itself to him. He was ready to deliver. More than ready. With one swish of his left boot, the ball was sent rocketing straight into the top corner, shaving the bar on the way through for added drama. It was a moment those inside the stadium will do well to forget. The pace, the power, the trajectory - and the celebrations.

It was a goal you could watch on repeat, day after day and never get bored of. Bale's explosion of joy, full of frustration no doubt over how things have ended for him in Madrid shows there is still plenty of life left in his legs.

There was more to come. The all-important second goal was half a chance but the way Bale stroked it into the top corner made it look like a gilt-edged one. A pure instinct finish.

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He refused to talk about where he'll be playing his football next season in the build-up to this game as that picture remains unclear. What is certain, there will be plenty of offers from some of Europe's biggest clubs after this performance.

Bale: Spanish press headlines were disgusting

Speaking after the game Bale said the press headlines in Spain that took a swipe at him were "disgusting.".

Spanish media outlets had criticised Bale after he linked up with Wales having been absent for Real Madrid for the El Clasico match at the weekend.

Spanish newspaper Marca ran the image of a happy looking Bale and Joe Rodon in Welsh training gear alongside the headline "It doesn't hurt anymore."

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Bale was also called a "parasite" by a journalist for Marca.

Bale's celebration for the first goal was full of emotion as he looked to be sending a message to some of his doubters by mouthing words into the camera.

He explained the celebration after the game, as he was asked if he was sending a specific message and to who. Bale said to Sky Sports: "I don't need to send a message, honestly. It's a waste of my time. It's disgusting and they should also be ashamed of themselves. I'm not fussed. End of."

On the game itself, Bale said: "It was a massive game. We knew coming into it how big a game it was and we had to perform. We had to dig deep and look at our experience in big games and it's a perfect scenario.

"I had some cramp at the end which I guess is normal but I'll run into the ground for this country and we all did that tonight.

"It's fantastic. Half the job done. The good thing now is that we can enjoy tonight because the game is in June. Still another very tough game against either Scotland or Ukraine and we'll be ready for that when it comes."

Opta stats: Home comforts for Wales

• Wales remain unbeaten in their last 17 home matches in all competitions (W12 D5), extending their longest unbeaten run on home soil in their history. They have only conceded six goals in these 17 games and never more than once in this run.
• Robert Page secured his ninth victory with Wales in what was his 20th game in charge (D7 L4) - only Mike England and Ryan Giggs (10 wins each) have secured more victories in their first 20 games in charge of the Dragons.
• Bale scored his seventh direct free-kick goal for Wales, with his first and most recent such goals for the national team being separated by 15 years and 168 days (October 2006 vs Slovakia).
• Only Memphis Depay (18), Harry Kane (14), Robert Lewandowski (12), Eran Zahavi (10) and Burak Yilmaz (9) have been involved in more goals in European qualifying for the 2022 World Cup than Bale (8 - 5 goals, 3 assists).

When is the draw?

By the end of March, we will know 29 of the 32 participants at the first winter World Cup. The final three places will be decided in the intercontinental playoffs in June as well as the final European playoff final which has been delayed due to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. So, the draw will include Wales and Scotland.

The draw for the tournament takes place on Friday 1 April at the DECC venue in Doha, Qatar at circa 4pm GMT.

When and where is the 2022 World Cup?

The 2022 World Cup is taking place in Qatar in the winter months rather than the usual summer ones, due to the heat.

The tournament kicks off on Monday November 21 at the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor with a match that will feature the host country.

The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on Sunday December 18.

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