At the last European Championships, Wales were shock semi-finalists, only for a 2-0 defeat against Portugal in the last four to end their valiant run. One of the stars of that tournament for Wales was Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.
The experienced star may also be the one that keeps Wales chances of qualifying for Euro 2020 alive.
On Sunday night, Bale scored in a 1-1 draw against Croatia. The result still leaves the Dragons four points behind second-place Hungary. However, Bale and co. have a game in hand on Hungary and group leaders Croatia.
Wales have struggled to qualify for major international tournaments in recent years. In fact, they have qualified for just two major tournaments’ in their history, qualifying for the 1958 World Cup, then the aforementioned 2016.
However, with a player of Bale’s quality, they always have a chance. The forward has shown time and time again he can step up on the big occasion at club and international level.
The 30-year-old has undergone something of a rough time at club level in the Spanish capital of late. There was speculation that the forward was set for a summer exit. He has also revealed he is not happy playing for Los Blancos.
Yet, he seems happier in a Wales shirt, maybe it is because the Dragons need him so much. He takes responsibility and seems inspired when playing for his national team.
Wales would have struggled for results in recent years without the mercurial former Tottenham winger and he is a quality of player that the Dragons very rarely produce.
Bale has not enjoyed a great qualification campaign with Wales, with his goal against Croatia his first in Group E. With Wales campaign now on a knife-edge, Bale is likely to step up his game in the Dragons last two group games.