Lexi Webster
Wales and Austria played each other in a World Cup playoff semi-final on March 24, 2022. The game was held at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and Wales won 2-1, with Gareth Bale scoring both goals for Wales. This win put Wales through to the World Cup playoff finals, one step closer to their first World Cup since 1958.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 March 2022 |
| Time | 19:45 UTC |
| Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium |
| Attendance | 32,053 |
| Final score | Wales 2-1 Austria |
| Goal scorers | Gareth Bale (2), Marcel Sabitzer |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Play-off Semi-finals |
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What You'll Learn
- Wales beat Austria 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Play-off Semi-finals
- Gareth Bale scored both goals for Wales, including a stunning free-kick
- Bale's performance against Austria proved his value to the Wales team
- Wales are now one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958
- Wales will play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in the play-off final
Wales beat Austria 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Play-off Semi-finals
Bale, who had come into the game with doubts over his fitness, scored his seventh direct free-kick goal for Wales, with his first and most recent such goals for the national team being separated by 15 years and 168 days (October 2006 vs Slovakia, March 2022 vs Austria). The first goal was a majestic free-kick from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, leaving the Austrian goalkeeper with no chance. The second was a clinical finish from close range after a corner was only partially cleared.
This result meant that Wales moved on to the play-off finals, where they were set to face the winner of Scotland and Ukraine. The final was postponed, however, due to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Wales are now unbeaten in 17 games on home soil, a run stretching back to a 2-1 defeat against Denmark in November 2018.
The 2022 World Cup is set to take place in Qatar in the winter months, instead of the usual summer schedule, due to the heat.
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Gareth Bale scored both goals for Wales, including a stunning free-kick
Wales and Austria faced off in a FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Play-off Semi-final match. The winner of the match would proceed to the final against the winner of Scotland and Ukraine. Wales emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, with Gareth Bale scoring both goals for his team.
Bale's first goal was a stunning free-kick from 25 yards out in the 25th minute, which flew into the top corner of the net. This was his seventh direct free-kick goal for Wales, with his first and most recent such goals for the national team being separated by 15 years and 168 days. Bale's second goal came in the 51st minute, sealing Wales' victory and bringing them one step closer to their first World Cup since 1958.
Bale's performance in this match was particularly impressive given the doubts about his fitness prior to the game. The Welsh captain had been absent for Real Madrid in the El Clasico match the previous weekend, and there were questions about his desire and contribution. However, he put these doubts to rest with his match-winning performance, showcasing his class and skill on the pitch.
Gareth Bale's contribution to Wales' victory over Austria further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Welsh players of all time. With his goals in this match, Bale added to his impressive record for Wales, having earned 111 caps and scored 41 goals for his country as of 2023.
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Bale's performance against Austria proved his value to the Wales team
Wales and Austria faced off in a FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Play-off Semi-final. The Welsh emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, with Gareth Bale's performance proving his value to the Wales team.
Bale scored both goals for Wales, the first being a free-kick from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, and the second a clinical finish in the 51st minute. This was his seventh direct free-kick goal for Wales, with his first and most recent free-kick goals being separated by 15 years and 168 days. This win put Wales one step closer to their first World Cup since 1958.
Bale's performance was even more impressive considering the doubts over his fitness before the game. He had missed the El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona due to a back injury, and had only played 270 minutes for Real Madrid in the current season. However, he put these concerns to rest with a stellar performance, leading the celebrations around the pitch after the game.
Bale's performance also drew a strong reaction from the Spanish press, who had been critical of him ahead of the game. Spanish newspaper Marca ran a headline suggesting that Bale's injury was not genuine, and he was labelled a "parasite" by one journalist. However, Bale hit back at his critics, stating that the media in Spain should be "ashamed of themselves".
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Wales are now one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958
Wales are now just one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958. They beat Austria 2-1 in a World Cup playoff semi-final, with Gareth Bale scoring both goals for Wales. The first was a free-kick from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, and the second a clinical finish.
Bale's performance was described as magic and masterclass, and he celebrated with his teammates at the Cardiff City Stadium. This game was a significant opportunity for Bale, who had faced doubts about his fitness and criticism from the Spanish media. At 33 years old, this World Cup may be his last chance to appear on football's biggest stage.
Wales will now play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in the playoff final. The draw for the tournament will take place on 1 April in Doha, Qatar, and the World Cup will be held in Qatar during the winter months, rather than the usual summer months, due to the heat.
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Wales will play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in the play-off final
Wales played Austria in a World Cup play-off semi-final match on 24 March 2022. The game took place at Cardiff City Stadium, with Wales winning 2-1. Both of Wales' goals were scored by Gareth Bale, with the first being a free-kick from 25 yards that flew into the top corner. Marcel Sabitzer scored the only goal for Austria.
Wales' win over Austria means that they will play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in the play-off final. The final was delayed due to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The draw for the tournament will take place on 1 April 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The 2022 World Cup will be the first to take place in the winter months, rather than the usual summer months, due to the heat in Qatar.
Gareth Bale's performance against Austria was particularly notable, as he put doubts about his fitness to one side to score two goals. This was especially impressive given that Bale had not played 100 minutes of football since August. His performance led to speculation about offers from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Bale also faced criticism from the Spanish media for missing Real Madrid's El Clasico match against Barcelona. However, he stated that the media in Spain should be ashamed of themselves for targeting him ahead of the play-off game.
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Frequently asked questions
Wales played Austria in a World Cup playoff semi-final.
Wales won the match 2-1.
Gareth Bale scored both the goals for Wales.
Gareth Bale played for Real Madrid.
The match took place at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
