BALE’S RECORD GOAL RUSH
Gareth gets Giggs off to flying start
RYAN GIGGS saluted Gareth Bale for shattering a record even he doubted would ever be eclipsed.
In Giggs’ first game in charge of Wales, it was Bale who once again hogged the headlines in this cruise against China.
Bale has scored the first goal under three of the last four Dragons bosses.
But this would have meant so much more to the Real Madrid star as his treble moved him on to 29 goals and ahead of Ian Rush as his country’s all-time leading scorer.
Sam Vokes’ double and Harry Wilson’s fine strike completed Wales’ biggest margin of victory in 22 years to ensure Giggs enjoyed a dream start.
Cheered
Giggs said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for Gareth to be the top goalscorer in front of someone like Ian Rush, a legendary goalscorer and probably one of the best I have ever seen.
“Once upon a time, it was a record that many people thought would not get beaten.
“But Gareth has not only beat it, he will carry on scoring as he is a tremendous talent. He fully deserves it.”
Bale only made the long trip to southern China on Monday but he gave the sorry hosts the runaround from the start. Every touch was cheered by the home crowd and within two minutes his mazy run and clipped finish got the fans off their feet.
Some woeful Chinese defending then allowed Bale to extend the lead in the 21st minute before he turned creator.
The ex-Spurs ace’s long ball was headed down by Andy King to allow Vokes to poke home with 38 minutes played.
Bale then linked with rookie Liverpool winger Wilson, who celebrated his 21st birthday in style with a spectacular strike on the stroke of half-time.
With Bale scaring the Chinese defence witless, it was Wilson who found too much space to free Vokes and the Burnley man slotted home in the 58th minute to make it 5-0.
Then came Bale’s moment of history. Just seconds before his planned substitution, Giggs’ star man latched on to a Joe Allen long ball and drove it home to overhaul Rush’s landmark total in four games fewer.
He was instantly replaced with Monday’s China Cup final against either Uruguay or Czech Republic in mind.
Giggs added: “We were at it right from the beginning and scored some fantastic goals. It was a great night.”