The years of hurt are over. For the first time since 1958, Wales will compete in a World Cup finals, and the anticipation is palpable for Rob Page’s side. Even captain and talisman Gareth Bale admitted that “it doesn’t feel real” that Wales are about to jet off to Qatar for the biggest international tournament on earth.
However, the Dragons won’t be there just to make up the numbers. Having been drawn in a group with England, the USA and Iran, there are some exciting matches to look forward to, not least the clash with rivals England, where Page and co. will be looking to upset the Wales v England odds.
Bale and his teammates may well fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages, and here are a few reasons why Wales should not be overlooked or underestimated.
Tournament experience
While this will be Wales’ first World Cup in a long time, they have enjoyed some decent results in the European Championships in recent times. Everyone remembers their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, where Chris Coleman’s charges came so close to reaching the final before Portugal stopped them in their tracks.
Last summer, they put up a strong showing at Euro 2020 as well, reaching the last 16 before they ran into an inspired Denmark side. That experience of getting through the group stage at the last two Euros will stand Wales in good stead when it comes to navigating their group at the World Cup.
You’d expect their results against the USA and Iran to be the most important, as all three will have their sights set on joining obvious group favourites England in the last 16.
A sense of excitement
Another reason Wales will be dangerous at this World Cup is that there is a sense of excitement accompanying their presence. In many ways, Page’s men will view this tournament as something of a free hit. Since it’s so rare for Wales to actually qualify for a World Cup, why not go all out to try and cause a stir in Qatar?
You only needed to see the joyous scenes that accompanied Wales’ decisive victory over Ukraine in Cardiff to understand how much this means to the players, and how hungry they’ll be to make a strong impression at the tournament. These opportunities don’t come around too often, so expect this Welsh side to grab it with both hands.
The Bale factor
Then there is Bale himself. The Los Angeles FC player is a bit of an enigma these days, and while his club career has stuttered in recent years, he still brings his best for Wales time and time again. The 33-year-old knows what it’s like to play in big matches, and that experience will be vital in the dressing room and on the pitch for Wales in this World Cup.
Bale also has the ability to produce moments of magic that can decide matches, and it would be a surprise if we didn’t see one or two stunning goals or assists from Wales’ captain fantastic over the course of the group stage.
