Icon Bale vows to give to help his beloved Dragons breathe fire in Qatar

EVERYTHING

GARETH BALE’S image stares out from a huge sky-scraper here in downtown Doha.

It features the Welsh icon and No.11 unleashing another mighty effort with his deadly left-foot alongside the caption: “inspire.”

Bale has a deserved reputation for delivering when glory is on the line after winning the Champions League five times, including scoring three goals in finals for Real Madrid.

He underlined his superstar qualities with goals in both Wales’ World Cup play-offs to propel Rob Page’s men to Qatar.

Tonight’s opponents USA will need no reminders either after Bale scored a headed equaliser in extra-time to take Philadelphia Union to penalties before Los Angeles FC went on to claim their first MLS Cup victory this month.

Now the 33-year-old is dreaming of more magic moments for his beloved Wales in their first World Cup in 64 years.

He said: “I can’t guarantee it but I will be doing everything I possibly can to help the team and nation.

“I guess in these big games you have to focus a little more. I have not thought too much about it – scoring in big games – because it seems to be working.

“It is difficult to put a finger on it but maybe I don’t just shy away from things.

“Hopefully it can continue and there are a few big moments left.

“If that means me scoring, I really don’t mind, the most important thing is we do as best we can for Wales and try to get those positive results.”

Former Spurs and Real Madrid star Bale has started only two games for LA in 13 appearances and has not played a full 90 minutes for his latest club since joining this summer.

The veteran admits he has had to change his game as he has got older and lost his blistering pace and acceleration. But he remains the first name on the teamsheet for Wales and is still highly effective either down the middle up front or coming off the right flank on to his left-foot.

Bale added: “Any player will tell you that when you get older things change in your body and you can’t quite do what you did when younger. So I have had to change my game quite a bit.

“I think I can still do what I did when younger but maybe just not as often on the pitch purely because of age.

“It is an evolution and something you have to accept and try to make work. I have learned new things and had to improve in different areas.

“I guess that is why I am still here and playing football because I have been able to adapt.”