A Gareth Bale double ensured Wales overcame Austria in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday evening.
Barely involved at Real Madrid this season and amid question marks over his long-term future in the game entirely, the 32-year-old’s stunning free-kick raised the roof in the Cardiff City Stadium.
After the interval, Bale hit another brilliant goal on the turn after reacting first following a corner and remained influential throughout. Whether he was playing 40-yard passes with the outside of his boot or acting as a classic target man, Bale added this to his long list of famous career nights.
On the balance of things, Austria did not deserve much from the game after failing to craft any openings after the 10-minute mark and were only given a lifeline after Marcel Sabitzer’s shot deflected in off of Ben Davies.
The dream is still alive.
