Wales 2-1 Austria: Three Things We Learned

The battle to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is well and truly on – especially in Europe. The qualifiers have now reached the playoff phase with a string of nations still hoping to reach the world stage at the end of this year.

Wales and Austria were amongst the pack of countries hoping to get there but last night, the hopes of one team ended as the Welsh pulled off a fantastic 2-1 win.

Today, we’re going to take a look at three things we’ve been left with after the result.

Gareth Bale is alive and well

After being branded a ‘parasite’ by Spanish media due to his participation in the playoffs, Gareth Bale decided to go out there and remind the world who he is – one of the best players in the game. He scored two phenomenal solo goals, including a free kick straight from the top drawer, and noted after the fact that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get this squad to the World Cup. That, my friends, is a leader.

Austrian surge falls short

Austria were knocking at the door for long, long spells of this game, as you might imagine given how they performed at the Euros. However, even David Alaba wasn’t able to inspire them to the victory they desired.

Their supposed golden generation is slowly beginning to come to an end and in its place, it’s uncertain where they’re going to go. The attention will turn towards Euro 2024 and they need to make sure they’re focused.

Welsh favourites?

Wales have earned the right to take on either Scotland or Ukraine in their playoff final for the right to play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They’re aiming to bring an end to 64 years of hurt and with the other semi-final not being played until the summer, we’re say they’re in a pretty good position. They can sit back, wait, and know that they’re being seen as the favourites by the masses.