Road to Qatar: how Wales qualified for World Cup 2022 - in pictures

We look at how Gareth Bale and Co sealed their spot at the finals

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  HOW WALES QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E): 24 March 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T. Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 11'): The toughest start possible for Wales, who took a shock early lead through Harry Wilson before succumbing to the world's top-ranked team. "We knew coming into it they're number one in the world for a reason," said caretaker manager Robert Page. "If you give quality teams like this half a chance, inevitably the ball ends up in the back of the net." EPA

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  March 30, 2021. Wales 1 (James 82') Czech Republic 0: A late Daniel James header earned Wales a vital win in a match that saw each team reduced to 10 men after Patrik Schick and Connor Roberts were sent off. "We're disappointed with aspects of our performance, but it's a win," said Page. "What we've done in recent times is found a way to win." AFP

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  September 5, 2021. Belarus 2 (V. Lisakovich pen 29', Sedko 31') Wales 3 (Bale pen 6', pen 69', 90+3'): A Gareth Bale hat-trick, with the winner coming deep into injury time, earned Wales three points after going in at half time 2-1 down. "A few years ago we might not have won that game," said Page. "But now we’ve got a team who will fight and can find ways to win." Reuters

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  September 8, 2021. Wales 0 Estonia 0: Wales's qualification hopes took a severe blow when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against a team who had lost all three of their previous qualifiers and conceded 15 goals along the way. "It feels like a defeat playing against a team bottom of the table," said Page. "We've got to build on it, be more clinical and get a different result." Reuters

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  October 8, 2021. Czech Republic 2 (Pesek 38', Ward og 49') Wales 2 (Ramsey 36', James 69'): An exciting game in Prague ended all square, a result that ensured Wales remained third in Group E, trailing the Czech Republic on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand. "I thought the lads were outstanding, we've created enough to win four games of football," said Page. "To take the game to them in the manner we did, they deserve full credit." PA

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  October 11, 2021. Estonia 0 Wales 1 (Moore 12'): Kieffer Moore's close range finish early in the game earned the Welsh an unconvincing win in a match where the home side could count themselves unfortunate not to have grabbed at least a point. "We knew we weren't going to dominate and we knew it was going to be an ugly game," said Page. "In the second half, we had to dig a trench and defend resolutely." AFP

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  November 13, 2021. Wales 5 (Ramsey 3', pen 50', N. Williams 20', B.Davies 77', C.Roberts 89') Belarus 1 (Kontsevoy 87'): Wales marked Bale's 100th cap with a thumping victory over Belarus to move up to second place in the group. "I'm really pleased with the performance," said Page. "When we had opportunities we were clinical, to a man I thought they were all magnificent." AFP

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  November 16, 2021 Wales 1 (Moore 32') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): Bale was unavailable for the draw that secured them a home play-off semi-final match. Kevin de Bruyne's stylish finish put Belgium ahead, only for Kieffer Moore to level. "I thought some of our play was outstanding at times and we thoroughly deserved the point," said Page. "When this place is rocking with the fans behind us, we don't fear anybody." EPA

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  (Play-off semi-final) Wales 2 (Bale 25', 51') Austria 1 (Sabitzer 65'): A brilliant Bale double took Wales a step closer to their first World Cup since 1958 and set-up a play-off final against Ukraine. “I don’t think it’s sunk in properly yet. What a game, what a night, what an occasion, said Page. “The star man turns up – I have just said to him that’s the best free-kick I have ever seen in my life." Reuters

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  (Play-off final) June 5, 2022. Wales 1 (Bale 34') Ukraine 0: It was that man once again as Wales' captain and talisman Bale scored the winning goal to break Ukraine hearts at a delirious Cardiff City Stadium. "It's the greatest result in history for Welsh football," Bale said. "It means everything. It's what dreams are made of. I'm speechless because I'm so happy." Reuters

His club career might have stagnated in recent years, but there is no doubt Gareth Bale still loves pulling on that Wales jersey and captain's armband.

The attacker was at his talismanic best throughout the qualification campaign that saw his country qualfiy for their first finals in 64 years via the play-offs.

Bale, now playing his trade in the United States with Los Angeles FC after his contract at Real Madrid expired, dragged his team almost single-handled to Qatar with a series of match-winning performances.

Wales would finish second in Group E, five points behind Belgium, before playing Austria and Ukraine in the play-offs.

The 33-year-old scored three times in the group stage then a further three in the play-offs and goes into the finals with 108 caps and 40 goals to his name.

In Qatar, Wales have been drawn in Group B, alongside England, Iran and the US.

In the gallery above, you can see how Wales qualified for the finals that kick off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.

Wales' fixtures in Qatar

November 21 USA v Wales – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (11pm)

November 25 Wales v Iran – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (2pm)

November 29 Wales v England – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (11pm)