Wales captain Gareth Bale has sent a strong message warning his teammates ahead of their Group B opening clash of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar against the United States of America not to underestimate their opponents.
On Monday evening, Bale-led Welsh team will be making their first World Cup appearance in 64 years, which might be the last for the 33 year-old skipper.
With the United States being dominant against Wales in the previous matches with a victory and a draw, Bale is confident they can get a positive result, if they don’t underestimate them.
“I have some experience playing against and with some of the US team. They’re a good young squad with some fantastic players,” Bale told the media.
“We’re under no illusions that they’re here to win the game just as we are. We know their weaknesses. I can’t share them with you right now. As long as we stick to our game plan and do what we do, we’ll be ok.”
Bale, who has been battling with fitness and injury further confirmed he is injury free at this stage and is ready to play.
“I’m right where I want to be – I’m here! I’m ready to go. We have all been training hard in the last week, adapting to the heat and time zone.
“We have no excuses now. We’ve put all the hard work in. It’s game time, and hopefully, we can step up and deliver what needs to be delivered,” Bale added.
The only key player that will be missing in action for Wales against the United States is midfield engine Joe Allen.
Allen has been on the sidelines for two months after picking a hamstring injury whilst in action for Swansea City.
Kick-off at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is at 9pm. In another Group B encounter to be played on Monday, 2018 semi-finalists England, who are group favourites, will take on Iran at 3pm.
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