Wales and Austria meet on Thursday evening in Cardiff to resume their efforts to qualify for the World Cup in 2022, kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Wales were drawn alongside Belgium, meaning they would need to finish in the top two of a five-team Group E. Wales secured second place by beating the Czech Republic 2-0 on the final matchday, with Gareth Bale scoring both goals.
Despite a 1-1 draw against Estonia in Wales’ first home game of the groups, Robert Page’s men avoided defeat to Belgium and Czech Republic, drawing both matches. The Dragons have gone seven unbeaten matches, losing just once in 12 games, and are one win away from reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Gareth Bale’s fitness is an obvious talking point for Wales, but this united group will back themselves to impress regardless of their Real Madrid forward performance.
However, the Welsh squad has been hit by injuries. Austria will try to exploit this. Although Austria’s team is strong, it finished fourth in a group containing Denmark, Scotland, and Israel.
It advanced to the World Cup only because of its record in the Nations League (it beat Israel and Moldova in that competition). During qualification, it won twice at home against Israel and Moldova; it scored eight goals and allowed three goals.
Wales vs. Austria Head to Head
Both sides have five games against each other, with each side taking two wins and one draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Wales 1-1 Belgium
- Wales 5-1 Belarus
- Estonia 0-1 Wales
- Czech Republic 2-2 Wales
- Wales 0-0 Estonia
Away
- Austria 4-1 Moldova
- Austria 4-2 Israel
- Denmark 1-0 Austria
- Faroe Islands 0-2 Austria
- Austria 1-0 Scotland
Wales Team News
Bale is expected to take his place in attack, and Wales are without Danny Ward and Kieffer Moore through injury and Joe Morrell through suspension. Second-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey should deputize between the sticks, with Ethan Ampadu replacing Morrell.
Austria Team News
Defender Philipp Lienhart may be benched for the team’s next match to allow Aleksandar Dragović and Martin Hinteregger to resume the partnership that helped the team beat Israel and Moldova.
Prediction and Odds
This game should be close. Both teams have their pros and cons, and it should make for a nerve-wracking 90 minutes, potentially even longer.
- Wales Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Austria
