WORLD CUP 2022
How does the USMNT plan on stopping Gareth Bale and Wales?
On his arrival with the Wales squad, the LAFC player spoke about his physical condition as the US team consider ways of negating him.
The Wales team began preparing for their World Cup debut next Monday against the United States and one of the main points of interest was the addition of Gareth Bale to the rest of the squad, motivating fans hoping to see the five-time Champions League winner start.
Bale says he’s 100% ready for World Cup
Upon his arrival with Wales, Bale put an end to the rumours about his physical condition and acknowledged to the media that he is in optimal condition to play in the World Cup as the Welsh return after 64 years.
“I am 100% ready for the World Cup and ready to go. If I have to play 90 minutes in three games there is no problem,” revealed the former Real Madrid star.
More from the World Cup
Bale’s injury avoidance in recent weeks
As the MLS Cup champion continued to talk about his physical condition, he acknowledged that these last few weeks have been difficult for him mentally, after learning of other global stars who will miss the World Cup in Qatar due to injury.
“The last three or four weeks have been difficult, especially when you hear about other players who have had injuries and are going to miss the World Cup. I’ve been talking to my teammates and those who were playing this weekend told me that it was difficult mentally.
“You could only pray that you wouldn’t have an injury and miss such an important event like this,” concluded the Welshman.
How will the USMNT look to stop Wales and Bale?
There is no doubting that the at-times unplayable Gareth Bale -- check out his highlights reel including Inter Milan with Spurs, Barça in the Copa and a rather impressive overhead kick -- is no longer with us, hence why the forward is earning a crust away from the most challenging European leagues. That said, he continues to show that, especially in a Wales shirt, he can produce moments of magic, and appears able to lead his teammates to another level.
So, what can the US team do to stop him? Well, his LAFC teammates, midfielder Kellyn Acosta, suggest that they need to get physical with the Welshman.
“I feel like that’s the question of the day, right?” Acosta said on Tuesday at the training camp. “Special players make special plays and he’s a guy you definitely have to be worried about.
“He’s a specimen. He’s a guy that we know to have eyes on. We’ve got to literally start kicking him around the field a little bit. Make him feel us. Limit his time and space.
“Let him be comfortable, he can really hurt you.”
Watch out Gareth, Maen nhw’n dod i’ch cael chi...