Wales hasn’t been at the World Cup since 1958, and with Gareth Bale on the back nine of his career, it’s out to make some noise.
Typically enveloped in the shadow of neighboring England, Wales is back again at the World Cup for the first time in over a half-century. But the nation of just over three million inhabitants isn’t looking for participation trophies in Qatar. Led by Gareth Bale, widely regarded as the country’s greatest-ever player, the Welsh delivered valiant performances in qualifying to reach this point. With Wales thrust into a four-team playoff for the final spot, Bale came through with a brace to beat Austria, and his side then persevered against a valiant Ukraine side playing amid war at home.