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.
Monday's opponents USA will need no reminders either after Bale scored a headed equaliser in added time of extra-time to take Philadelphia Union to penalties before Los Angeles FC went on to claim their first ever MLS Cup victory earlier this month.
Now Bale, 33, is dreaming of more magic moments for his beloved Wales in their first World Cup in 64 years. Bale, who has 40 goals in 108 caps, reflected: “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 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 hopefully 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 only started 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 team-sheet for Wales and is still highly effective either down the middle upfront 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 at 23, 24 and 25. So for sure 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 at the same time.
“I have definitely learned new things and had to improve in different areas which I definitely feel like I have done. I guess that is why I am still here and playing football because I have been able to adapt.”
For years Bale has made no secret of his burning desire to get Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 . Yet with every missed opportunity, he admits the pressure grew.
Now after making it, he and his Welsh pals and team-mates are determined to live in the moment - starting tonight in Al Rayyan.
Bale said: “It is a very proud moment. Every time there has been a failure it has been we want to get over the line eventually and the longer time went on it became even more of a bigger task.
“To be the ones to achieve it has been incredible and something we have all dreamed of since we were young and crazy that now the tournament is upon us and we are going to try to enjoy it.”
