WALES coach Rob Page said it was “all about (Gareth) Bale again” after he scored a late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw against the United States.
Bale, Wales’ all-time top scorer, crashed home an 82nd-minute spot-kick to earn his side a point in their first World Cup game since 1958.
Asked if Bale was going to take the penalty he won after a foul by Walker Zimmerman, Page told ITV: “A million per cent. He’s never let us down. Once again it’s all about Bale.”
Bale was making his first start for club or country since late September, but Page had no doubts over his captain’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
“Irrespective of what he does at club level, he manages to put the jersey on for Wales and does things that surprise people,” said Page.
Wales fell behind to Tim Weah’s fine first-half strike and looked to be heading for defeat before Bale was brought down inside the area by defender Zimmerman.
“It’s an amazing feeling to get off the mark personally, but we would much rather have had the three points,” Bale told ITV.
“It was a great team performance, especially in the second half when we showed that real grit and determination to get back into the game.
“We are proud of that. We have things to build on and things to work on.” — AFP
