Gareth Bale Inspires Wales to 2-1 Win Over Austria

LONDON: Gareth Bale scored both goals as Wales edged Austria 2-1 in their playoff semi-final on Thursday to move a step closer to a first World Cup finals appearance in 64 years. The 32-year-old forward fired home a precise free kick in the 25th minute to open the scoring, emphasising his role as the team's talisman with a superb effort in Cardiff. It was followed up by quick thinking from a short corner in the 51st from which captain Bale scored again to ensure Wales' progress to a playoff final at home in June. Agencies

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