Wales vs Austria news: Gareth Bale demands final push from Wales as Qatar beckons
- Planet Sport writer
- 24 March 2022
Wales are on course to reach their first World Cup since 1958 but must first make home advantage count when they take on Austria in a play-off semi-finals clash at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Superstars of yesteryear such as Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs never got the chance to grace the world stage and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is determined to make his own presence felt in Qatar later this year.
When: Thursday, March 24
Where: Cardiff City Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports main event
Who is the referee for Wales vs Austria
Games refereed by Marciniak in 2021/2022:
Games (29), yellows (122), reds (3)
Recent form
Wales finished second behind Group E winners Belgium, while Austria finished fourth behind Group F winners Denmark, Scotland and Israel and qualified for the play-offs by winning their Nations League group.
Before you head to 😴 here’s another reminder of how we got to this stage.
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) March 23, 2022
Nos da Cymru 🏴#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/4CGMp8L0VX
Wales' record of four wins, three draws and only one defeat from the group stages deserves credit and finishing ahead of Czech Republic meant they guaranteed home advantage for Thursday's play-off.
Wales players in form
Aaron Ramsey scored his first goal for Rangers on Sunday following his deadline-day loan move from Serie A giants Juventus and he, along with fellow playmaker Bale, can play a key role in unlocking the Austrians.
The 31-year-old has scored 20 goals in 71 appearances for his country and will be instrumental in finding the pockets of space between midfield and attack.
Past meetings
Manager's thoughts
Robert Page believes his Wales players should treat Austria's visit as "a final", saying: "It is a final for us in many respects. We have to win the game and are going to go for it.
From Tylorstown to the world stage 🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) March 24, 2022
Here's the story of Rob Page, Cymru, and the @FIFAWorldCup play-offs.
🎥 @UEFAcom #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/09BkbvqdQ4
"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."
Predicted teams
Aaron Ramsey is available, but Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore, Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward, Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts and FC St Pauli defender James Lawrence are all out, while Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morrell is suspended.
Wales' predicted starting XI: Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, Allen, N Williams; Ramsey; James, Bale
Austria's predicted starting XI: Bachmann; Trimmel, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Alaba; Laimer, Grillitsch; Schaub, Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Arnautovic
Wales vs Austria prediction
The enormity of what is at stake for Wales cannot be underestimated but with a vociferous and partisan home crowd behind them they can get the job done.
Their home form stands up to close scrutiny and a come-from-behind draw last time out against Belgium, thanks to a Kieffer Moore equaliser, proves they can mix it against the top-ranked teams in the world.
Mae @aaronramsey yn barod. Mae Cymru yn barod. 🏴🇦🇹#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/V6HKCRF2p9
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) March 23, 2022
