Gareth Bale further cemented his status as a Welsh football legend with a stunning brace against Austria.
The 32-year-old struck a sublime free-kick in the first half at Cardiff City Stadium before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the net in the second half as Rob Page's men emerged victorious in the World Cup play-off semi-final encounter, despite seeing Marcel Sabitzer's deflected strike go in after 65 minutes. It was the perfect response to what had been some intense, and, on one particular occasion, shameful criticism of Bale from the Spanish media.
Media outlets questioned how Bale was available to play for his country having missed Real Madrid's humiliating 4-0 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona just four days prior to the Red Dragons' clash with Austria. However, Marca went one step further and branded the Wales captain a "parasite", even going as far as mocking up a cartoon image of Bale as an insect sucking blood out of the Real Madrid club crest.
Read more: The best pictures from the night Welsh football edged closer to World Cup dream
As he has done ever since making his international debut in 2006, Bale delivered the goods for Wales as they edged one step closer to qualifying for a first World Cup since 1958. He celebrated both goals against Austria with a passion that fully highlighted his commitment to the cause.
Following his stunning opener, Bale repeatedly patted the Welsh dragon on his chest before appearing to yell "suck that" to a nearby television camera. He was asked if his celebrations were a message to those who penned such brutal words on his situation ahead of the game, and the attacker's response was telling.
"No. I don't need to send a message, honestly," he told Sky Sports. "It's a waste of my time. It's disgusting, they should all be ashamed of themselves. I'm not fussed. End of."
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Bale now has 38 goals for his country in 101 caps and will bid to keep himself in peak condition ahead of a June play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine in Cardiff. His brace on Thursday night means Bale has five goals for his country in just 324 minutes of international action this season. On the flip side, he has netted just once for his club in 270 minutes of football in the 2021/22 season to date.
The Cardiff-born star's contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer, meaning he will be a free agent. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar takes place between November and December this year. You can read all about when the draw is here.
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