World Cup 2022: Wales captain Gareth Bale says team driven by ‘hurt’ in Austria play-off
Last updated on .From the section Football
| Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Thursday, 24 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website & app, plus live text commentary online. Highlights on BBC Two Wales from 23:15 GMT and later on demand |
Wales will use the “hurt” of previous near misses as inspiration for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Austria on Thursday, says Gareth Bale.
Wales have not qualified for a World Cup since 1958 and been agonisingly close on several occasions since.
Captain Bale, 32, will use some of his own such experiences – such as 2017’s loss to the Republic of Ireland – as part of his team talk against Austria.
“We have to give 100% and have no regrets,” he said.
“We can draw on past experiences that have hurt us but also the excitement of what potentially is ahead, so there is a lot to play for.
“You can look to anything to help inspire us and there will not be a lot that needs to be said, a game of this magnitude speaks for itself and we’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
At the start of this campaign a year ago, Bale said this could be his last chance to qualify for a World Cup.
The Real Madrid forward has enjoyed a glittering club career, winning four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups.
He has also lifted his country to new heights, helping Wales qualify for back-to-back European Championships and firing them to the semi-finals at Euro 2016.
However, a World Cup remains elusive for Bale, who will be approaching his 37th birthday when the 2026 tournament starts.
“I wouldn’t say it would be a regret if I didn’t play in a World Cup as it’s not really in my hands but it’s something I would love to achieve for myself, my country, the fans of Wales,” he said.
“It’s been a long time. It will only be a regret if we don’t give 100% and leave anything in the tank.
“Once you’ve done that there won’t be regrets regardless of the result. Hopefully our best will be enough.
“Thinking about the future can cause doubts in your own mind, so I’ve not been thinking about that. I’ve just been focusing on this game coming up and whatever happens in the future I’ll decide in future.”
Wales qualified for the World Cup play-offs by finishing second in their group behind Belgium, the world’s number one-ranked side.
Austria finished fourth behind Denmark, Scotland and Israel but earned a play-off spot by virtue of winning their Nations League group.
In keeping with all European World Cup play-off matches, Wales’ match against Austria is a one-off tie rather than two-legged fixture.
The winner had been due to face the winner of Scotland against Ukraine on Tuesday, 29 March but, because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that game has been postponed.
Scotland and Ukraine’s fixture is now expected to be played in June, with the play-off final set to follow later the same month.
“It is a final for us in many respects. We have to win the game and are going to go for it,” Wales manager Robert Page said of the Austria tie.
“We have not spoken too much about the importance of it, players know the importance.
“We don’t need to emphasise it. We have big players who always turn up to the party. We will be fully ready for it.”
Bale has confirmed he is fully fit and ready to start despite Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti revealing he missed Sunday’s game against Barcelona because he “didn’t feel well”.
Bale has played only two games for Real since his last international appearance in November 2021.
Another key player, midfielder Aaron Ramsey, is also available after scoring his first goal for Rangers on Sunday since joining on loan from Juventus in January.
Wales will be without striker Kieffer Moore, goalkeeper Danny Ward, forward Tyler Roberts and defender James Lawrence because of injury, while midfielder Joe Morrell is suspended.
Austria, meanwhile, have recalled Bristol City striker Andreas Weimann after a seven-year absence.
Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Stefan Ilsanker and Arminia Bielefeld midfielder Alessandro Schopf have also been added.
They replace Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch, Union Berlin defender Christopher Trimmel, centre-back Philipp Lienhart of SC Freiburg and FC Cologne midfielder Dejan Ljubicic.
Lens defender Kevin Danso, formerly of Southampton, had also been added as cover but has since had to pull out with an ankle injury.
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