Gareth Bale guided Wales to the China Cup Final with an assured performance and a hat-trick vs. China. The Welsh legend played in a free role off the right-hand side and dominated the opposition with his physicality, pace, and movement. He picked up an early goal in the second minute after running between two defenders to receive a flick-on. With his defender isolated and in an awkward position, Bale cut back inside onto his left foot, held his balance, and poked a shot into the top corner. 19 minutes later, China made a mistake passing out from the back, allowing Bale to run at the keeper 1v1 before coolly slotting away Wales’ second of the game.
Not content with his two goals, Bale turned into the orchestrator and showed off his passing range with a beautiful long ball that instigated his team’s third goal. Then, right before half-time, the Welsh Samurai slipped in Harry Wilson with a cute through ball for his first and only assist of the night.
It wasn’t long before Bale got involved in the 2nd half, as he followed up a ridiculous diagonal pass by running behind the Chinese defense to score his hat-trick. The goal put him at 29 goals for Wales and made him its all-time top scorer ahead of Ian Rush. With the game secure and his work done, Gareth was subbed off a minute later.
Madridista’s will be delighted to see Bale put in a near-perfect performance and come out unscathed as Madrid enter the crucial leg of their season. There is no doubt that Real’s chances of retaining silverware will be greatly aided by a healthy and in-form Welsh Dragon.