Masses of Wales followers are gathering in Cardiff this afternoon for the World Cup play off between Wales and Austria. Estimations are way above the sold out fixture with fans looking to soak up the atmosphere and watch the game in the many bars in the city centre that are open.
Gareth Bale is certain that precious experiences will give Wales that extra push. "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”
Bale has once again had some flak from the Spanish media who couldn’t wait for him to appear in training at the Vale in South Glamorgan, then printing the usual stories regards his fitness. It was always to be expected after he pulled out of the Real Madrid v Barcelona game on Sunday, and then was on a plane to Wales way before the game kicked off. The paper reported "Madrid is not his priority. After his first injury of the season, it seemed like Bale decided to hide away in the gym and just make sure he was ready for each international break, hardly missing a game for Wales but barely featuring for his club. Either the air of the islands has the same properties as the mud from the Mar Menor with which my octogenarian neighbours smeared their bodies to alleviate the pain in their bones, or they will be laughing at Madrid and their fans until they complete their last contract day."
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The allegation his injuries are picked up whilst playing for Wales and cost Real Madrid financially are far wide of the mark. The international agreements on the release and return of players and associated injuries are insurance matters paid for in this case by the FAW.
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.
As fans from all clubs across Wales and far beyond the ‘one nation’ mantra is so important, at least until the swans again attempt to show their South Wales superiority next weekend. Tonight the whole country and many from across the world will be joined in one cause. A Wales win and then It’s one more game until Qatar 2022. Regardless of the side show of this country holding the tournament, we all know the questionable locations in recent times for competitions always raise an eyebrow.
But tonight this is about Wales, and this is about unity.
Not even golf will come close.