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Gareth Bale fired Wales within one game of a first World Cup appearance since 1958 with an inspired performance against Austria.
The Dragons icon’s double was the latest in a long line of dazzling displays from the Cardiff-born sensation.
LiceScore run through some of Bale’s best moments for his country as they prepare to face either Ukraine or Scotland for a spot at Qatar 2022.
Wales 2-1 Austria (2022)
Bale came into a crucial World Cup play-off with question marks over his fitness after missing the previous week’s El Clasico with a back injury.
But he dispelled any doubts as he stepped up in the 25th minute to curl a free-kick into the top corner via a slight kiss off the underside of the bar.
And Bale smashed home a second after the break, expertly taking control of a loose ball in the area and blasting into the net via his favoured left boot.
The heroic display was capped as Wales’ inspirational leader continued to press the Austrian defence late into the game despite struggling with cramp and an issue with his groin.
Withdrawn to rapturous applause in the 89th minute, Bale had once again carried the hopes of a nation and left them 90 minutes from history.
Wales 2-1 Slovakia (2016)
Wales flourished in 2016, reaching the semi-final of the European Championship for the first time in their history.
The Dragons were drawn into a group with England, Slovakia and Russia and progressed as winners, with their only dropped points coming against their noisy English neighbours.
Bale was instrumental in Wales’ success, scoring three times.
His first goal of the tournament helped Wales get off to a winning start as they defeated Slovakia 2-1.
The 32-year-old struck a sweet free-kick to give his side the lead in the Dragons’ first appearance at a major tournament since 1958 and made an entire nation believe.
Wales 2-1 Scotland (2012)
Wales came into this World Cup qualifier off the back of two defeats in their first two games.
The situation was looking dire but the Welsh wizard chose this match to really announce himself on the international stage.
Bale scored a brace as Wales came back from 1-0 down to secure a vital victory in his hometown.
His first goal came from the penalty spot as he kept his cool after being brought down in the box.
But it was the second goal that captured the headlines as the No11 dropped his shoulder on the edge of the box before thundering a strike into the top corner of the Scotland goal.
Wales 1-0 Belgium (2015)
Bale’s goal against Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier is perhaps his most important for Wales.
On the night of his 50th cap, Bale once again came up with the goods as Wales dispatched their star-studded rivals to go to the top of their group.
The Southampton youth product expertly controlled Radja Nainggolan’s wayward header in the box before slotting home through the legs of Thibaut Courtois.
The victory gave Wales a three-point advantage over their opponents.
Bale’s finish sent the Cardiff crowd into a frenzy and to this day is still remembered as one of the most important goals in Welsh history en route to their historic Euros run.
Turkey 0-2 Wales (2021)
In the midst of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, Bale once again took centre stage, in a group match against Turkey.
The veteran forward dominated play for Wales, providing both assists in an open game in which he also missed a penalty.
The Wales legend delivered a delightful ball on to the chest of Aaron Ramsey for the first goal, before driving into the box from the corner flag and teeing up Connor Roberts to secure the victory in injury time.
The win helped Wales advance to the knockout stages of the tournament for a second time in a row, qualifying second to eventual winners Italy.
The Welsh would be eliminated by Denmark in the last 16 but Bale’s performances demonstrated that he can still play a key role on the biggest stage.
Wales 2-0 Hungary (2019)
Wales qualified for Euro 2020 with a win against Hungary in Cardiff on the final matchday in 2019.
Bale put in another top-class performance, registering an assist and once again dominating the game.
But it was the celebrations after the final whistle that caught most people’s attention as the former Tottenham man brandished a flag reading ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.’
Inspired by criticism Bale had received from former star Predrag Mijatovic — who had questioned whether playing for Real Madrid was a priority for the Welshman — the banner caused a stir on social media and in the Spanish capital.
Dragons fans delighted in Mijatovic’s comments and the cheeky flag made it from the stands to the field to join the iconic skipper in the annals of Welsh history.
