World Cup 2022: Wales Look to Take Crucial Step Toward Qatar in Cardiff

Wales vs Austria

Wales still need two more wins to make it to World Cup 2022, which would be their first time qualifying for a World Cup since their only appearance in 1958.

The first of the Dragons’ two potential tests will come in their play-off semi-final tie against Austria at home in Cardiff.

The Austrians are coming off a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them finish fourth in their group behind Denmark, Scotland, and Israel. But they still have a shot to make it to Qatar due to their strong Nations League display.

The World Cup 2022 betting odds actually have Austria as slight favourites, so can The Boys slay the Dragons to take one step closer to Qatar?

Talking Points

Wales hoping to have star duo Bale, Ramsey

Wales are coming off a second-place showing in Group E of UEFA World Cup qualifying, five points behind group winners Belgium.

After losing to Belgium in their group opener, the Dragons went undefeated in their last seven qualifiers. However, draws to Estonia and the Czech Republic proved costly for their qualifying hopes.

Robert Page, who led the team to a round-of-16 berth in Euro 2020, remains the team’s caretaker manager in Ryan Giggs’ absence, and he has opted to call up team captain and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale despite an injury concern.

Bale missed Real’s 4-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona in El Clasico due to a back complaint, but Wales are hopeful the 32-year-old will be fit to play against Austria.

Bale has had another disappointing season with Real Madrid. His only appearances for the Spanish giants this calendar year have come in February against Villarreal and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, he can still bring his best for his country. He scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in his last three matches for Wales.

Meanwhile, midfielder Aaron Ramsey is also set to feature after making his first start for new club Rangers since moving from Juventus in January.

With striker Kieffer Moore out of the squad due to injury, Bale (36 goals in 100 caps) and Ramsey (20 goals in 71 caps) will have to produce some World Cup 2022 highlights for the Dragons.

Daniel James, who has been a crucial player in Leeds’ Premier League campaign this season, could also get the start against Austria.

Austria’s World Cup hopes still alive

Austria’s hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998 are still alive despite a distant fourth-place finish in Group F of qualifying. The Austrians’ performance in the UEFA Nations League earned them a spot in the play-offs.

Despite their disappointing qualifying campaign, Austria still finished strong with two big home wins over Israel (4-2) and Moldova (4-1) back in November.

Marko Arnautovic scored three goals in those last two games, including two from the penalty spot, as he raised his total to 32 goals in 96 caps.

Arnautovic will likely lead the Austrian attack along with Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer and Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic.

Captain Julian Baumgartlinger has missed out of the squad as he failed to fully recover from a knee injury. Florian Grillitsch and Sabitzer will likely continue to deputise in midfield in Baumgartlinger’s absence, with the likes of Louis Schaub – who scored a brace against Israel – and RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer also contenders to start.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s David Alaba will spearhead the Austrian defence. Alaba has primarily played at left-back for his country, and he could have a crucial role in containing club team-mate Gareth Bale.

History

Wales and Austria have met 10 times in total. The Austrians have a 5-3 edge in terms of wins, while there have been two draws.

However, the Welsh have won two of their last three meetings. That includes their most recent matchup in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers. After drawing 2-2 in Vienna – Arnautovic bagged a brace – Wales won 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to a Ben Woodburn goal.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds actually have Austria as slight 2.63 favourites to win away from home. Wales have 2.74 odds to win, while a draw is at 2.99.

As those odds indicate, these two sides are quite evenly matched, with very little between them. And while Wales have the big-name stars in Bale and Ramsey, it remains to be seen what they have left as age and injuries have taken their toll.

But while Wales don’t exactly have a huge edge over Austria, home advantage should still count for something. That’s why I’m taking the Dragons to get the home win and move one step closer toward qualification.

 

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