Great Gareth Bale! The Welshman scores a wonderful goal from a direct kick to send his team to the final of the barrage

Wales were slight favourites in their semi-final barrage match against Austria, with Gareth Bale taking the lead after just under half an hour of play with a superb shot from a direct kick.

Wales hosted Austria in the World Cup semi-final barrage and the experienced Gareth Bale played a starring role in this match.

He showed that he is certainly not old hat yet. After less than half an hour of play, he scored from a direct kick to put his team in the lead.

He last started for Real Madrid in the Champions League against PSG on 15 February, when the coach sent him on the pitch for 4 minutes, but now he has made up for it.

He increased Wales’ lead in the 51st minute and although Davies scored an own goal afterwards, it was enough to win the game.

The Welsh are close to qualifying for the World Cup, where they last appeared 64 years ago. But they won’t have a final opponent for some time.

It will be decided between Scotland and Ukraine. There is a war in Ukraine and the match will probably not be played until the summer months.

Source: UEFA