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Football London
Football London
Sport
Oliver King

Tottenham hero Gareth Bale proves point to Wales ahead of World Cup 2022

Gareth Bale showed the world he still has the 'knack' of scoring on the biggest stage of all, as his 128th minute equaliser ensured LAFC won the MLS Cup in dramatic fashion.

After scoring in multiple Champions League finals including Real Madrid's 2018 triumph over Liverpool, the Welshman returned to action after a month-long absence, heading home deep into injury time to send the game to penalties against Philadelphia Union.

The former Tottenham star's goal proved to be decisive, with Philadelphia missing all three of their spot-kicks, with LAFC winning the shootout 3-0, sparking wild celebrations inside the Banc of California Stadium.

READ MORE: Spurs player ratings vs Liverpool: Bissouma and Bentancur impress as Dier and Sessegnon struggle

Speaking after the game, Bale explained he still has the knack for scoring in finals during his trophy-laden career, saying: "I seem to have a knack for doing it! It's big. It's important for the club and important for the fans.

"We were down to 10 men, not really looking like we were going to get anything out of the game. Credit to everybody to keep pushing and fighting. It was nice to get the goal to help the team. Where it ranks? I'm not too sure but it's a great feeling!"

But Bale was keen to enjoy his celebrations with his LAFC team-mates before flying out to the Middle East as he was drowned in champagne during his post-match press conference.

"It's special. The reason why I came here was to try to help the club win a trophy and to win the MLS Cup. Obviously, they've come close in the past but never got to the final and won it."

The 33-year-old's return to fitness and his significant contribution to the win comes at a good time for Wales, who name their World Cup squad on Wednesday before the tournament in Qatar starts on 20 November.

Rob Page's men are without a win from their last five fixtures in the lead up to the tournament and will be hoping Bale's return to form can inspire another memorable international journey, with Wales placed in Group B alongside Iran, USA, and Gareth Southgate's England.

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