Gareth Bale’s Wales World Cup intent: It’s time to let everyone know who we are

Competing on the biggest stage will be more than just Wales ending their many heartaches of missing out since the black-and-white era of Cliff Jones and John Charles 64 years ago. It will be about putting Wales on the world map and creating a legacy, inspiring the next generation in a small nation where traditionally rugby union remains the primary sport.

It is likely to be the last chance for Bale, now 33, and others in the squad to experience a World Cup. He first watched Wales aged 10 when his father Frank took him to the first match at the Millennium Stadium in March 2000. It was a humiliating day as Ryan Giggs scored in a 2-1 friendly defeat by Finland in front of 65,614 and it could be listed among the terrible moments that have invited ridicule and soul-searching down the years. It was only 11 years ago that Wales were ranked 117th in the world.

Bale reflected on Wales’ remarkable journey as he prepared to face the United States in their opening group B match today (Monday). “Everybody dreamt of it for such a long time, so many close calls,” Bale said. “It’s crazy that now the tournament is upon us. It’s a massive piece of history and a proud moment. Probably the biggest honour we could have. Growing up not having your country at the finals makes it less special. Now kids can watch the team and have a poster on the wall to mark out, which will be incredible. We can feel the buzz from home. I feel we are the most passionate country in the world and that will never change in my mind.”

Of the present crop, the 18-year-old Jordan James, a squad player who has been brought along mainly to gain experience, is young enough to have been inspired by Bale leading Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Others, such as the winger Brennan Johnson, have been persuaded to switch from England. The hope is that Wales’s exploits can capitalise on the youth structure put in place in 2012 by Osian Roberts, then the technical director, and Gus Williams, then the talent scout. “We want to inspire another generation and in 20 years’ time if someone is sat here and says we have inspired them, that will be incredible,” Bale said.

Ian Rush, the former Liverpool and Wales forward, recently said that when he travelled around the world he would often get asked if Wales is part of England. Bale wants to change perceptions. “Being here is not just about football, it is about the growth of our country,” he said. “More people knowing our history, people in our country learning more history. Even us as players are still learning. Hopefully in the future when you speak to people from other countries they won’t ask where Wales is. They will know. That is an amazing part of our story.”

An estimated 3,000 Wales fans are expected to be at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, far more than the 11 supporters who went to Georgia to watch the side get thrashed 5-0 in 1994. Wales are ranked 19th, three places higher than their opponents with whom they drew 0-0 in a friendly in November 2020. The opening match could be as pivotal as it was in the past two European Championship finals when Wales beat Slovakia and built momentum and then five years later came from behind to draw with Switzerland and went on to progress from their group.

Keeping it tight, defending stoutly and playing on the break largely characterised Wales’ style in recent years. They were outplayed by Ukraine in the play-offs and needed Bale to find a moment from a set piece. He hinted that he has been practising a new free kick for the occasion. “I can’t put my finger on why I have these moments,” he said. “Maybe I don’t shy away from things. It seems to be working. Hopefully there are a few left.”

Wales are expected to be without Joe Allen with his manager Rob Page as good as ruling out the midfielder from playing for fear that he could aggravate a hamstring injury.

Page met the referees last week and raised the issue of opponents trying to get Kieffer Moore booked because of the way he uses his elbows.

“We went through the bookings and accidental bookings, and the potential that if you lift up your arms you hit somebody in the face,” Page said. “He is at more risk purely because of his size. We have raised that point with them.”

– The Times

Originally published as Gareth Bale’s Wales World Cup intent: It’s time to let everyone know who we are