Typically enveloped in the shadow of neighboring England, Wales is back again at the World Cup for the first time in over a half-century. But the nation of just over three million inhabitants isn’t looking for participation trophies in Qatar. Led by Gareth Bale, widely regarded as the country’s greatest-ever player, the Welsh delivered valiant performances in qualifying to reach this point. With Wales thrust into a four-team playoff for the final spot, Bale came through with a brace to beat Austria, and his side then persevered against a valiant Ukraine side playing amid war at home.
Some 64 years have passed since Wales last attended a World Cup. Back at Sweden 1958, an over-performing Welsh side just barely reached the tournament and subsequently made an unlikely run to the quarterfinals. A similar run with Bale leading the way isn’t unprecedented—Wales made it all the way to the semifinals in its first appearance at the Euros in 2016.
Recent form, however, may be cause for concern. Bale, for one, played sparingly since a move to MLS’s LAFC, scoring twice in 12 regular-season appearances—just two of which were starts. His goal deep into extra time in MLS Cup, however, could serve as a potential launchpad. Nevertheless, since the playoff win over Ukraine, Wales went five UEFA Nations League games without a victory, a draw with Belgium the only point gathered. The competition was stiff—Netherlands, Belgium and Poland are all Qatar-bound teams. But in what is more than likely the last and only World Cup for the nation’s greatest-player, Wales will need to dispel that rocky form quickly in what could end up an open group.
