‘It’s a cauldron for us’ – Gareth Bale hoping home advantage pays off for Wales
Gareth Bale of Wales in training. Wales MD1 Training Session at The Vale Resort on the 4th June 2022 ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Play Off Final against Ukraine. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Gareth Bale described Wales as a ‘Nation United’ ahead of their crunch World Cup Play-Off Final against Ukraine.
Bale spoke to the media ahead of the game via Zoom rather than in person. Wales’ talisman confirmed that he’s ready to go and the change was just to help his pre-match routine.
“After training, I have my routines, when we have the press conference at the Vale it’s convenient, I can do my stuff and get ready.
“Having to take two hours out of my day to get to the stadium doesn’t work. So we did it this way. Apologies!”
Bale who said goodbyes to Real Madrid this week reiterated the message from manager Rob Page that its business as usual for Wales.
Citing today as an example that he wanted to stick to his usual routine. Despite the enormity of tomorrow’s game Bale was relaxed saying,
“Everyone has their way of dealing with things. As a team, we’re just going about it normally.
“We just have to take it in our stride. We understand the game is massive but it’s a game of football that we need to perform well in.”
Wales’ home form has been impressive with them unbeaten in 18 games. The last loss came to Denmark in 2018 in a UEFA Nations League game.
“We love playing at home and playing in front of our fans. It’s a cauldron for us and the atmosphere the fans create, it intimidates other teams.
“When we feel tired they sing the anthem and give us those extra energy levels that we need. It’s been amazing for us.”
While many fans around the world will want to see the fairy-tale ending with a Ukraine win, would the emotion affect the players.
“We’ll be the most popular team in the stadium, that’s the main thing.
“We understand the awful things going on in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to the kids, families, and people of Ukraine.
“We’ve all felt awful during this time and not been able to do too much but come tomorrow it’s a game of football. We want to win.”
Bale was asked if he, Aaron Ramsey, and Ben Davies were helping out the younger members of the squad deal with the mental side of the game.
“I think we’ve all treated it like a normal camp. I don’t think we’ve had to do too much.
“We’ve played enough big games as a team to realise you just need to treat games normally.
“We understand it’s a big game, but at the end of the day, it’s just a game of football.
“I’m sure a few words will be said before the game to calm the nerves down.”
