Bale: Austria was 'make or break' for Wales

Wales international Gareth Bale has admitted that last night's World Cup qualifier against Austria was a make-or-break game for his nation.

Chris Coleman's side saw group rivals Republic of Ireland drop points prior to their kickoff at the Principality Stadium, but they almost failed to capitalise against the visitors for much of the game.

However, it was left to 17-year-old Ben Woodburn to change the complexion of the match after he netted a stunning effort on his international debut - coming on from the substitutes' bench. If you had taken up one of the Bet365 bonus offers, you could have got as high as 35-1 on Woodburn scoring!

Speaking after the clash, Bale said: "It was a make-or-break game today and we have had it in the past and we have stood up to the challenge and the most important thing was the three points today. We always speak about the performance but tonight was just great determination. In the first half, we were a little bit off the pace and we had a good chat at half time and just calmed it down. The manager has always said it is a squad game and [Woodburn]'s come and a great debut, I'm so happy for him."

As a result of the victory, Wales have moved to within two points of second-placed Ireland, and victories in their final three games will assure them of a spot in the World Cup playoff at least. The Euro 2016 semi-finalists host bottom club Moldova in their next qualifier and victory over the opposition could further close the gap on Serbia and Ireland, who face off against each other in the next round of games.

Wales have always known to promote young talents in their squad, and it appears that Woodburn could be the next high-profile teenager to hit the heights after fellow compatriots Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale.

The teenager 16-year-old Ethan Ampadu has also been picked in the Welsh squad, but he may have to wait for a while before his debut. Having just moved to Chelsea to be part of Antonio Conte's set-up you can expect Ampadu to do great things in the future, though it may well be that he starts off on the Chelsea loan treadmill before he gets a chance to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge.

Wales impressed at Euro 2016, so it's no wonder their fans are a little underwhelmed and disapoointed by the way the World Cup Qualification campaign has gone so far. Hopefully, once qualification is assured, the fans will get back behind Coleman and the team, and we'll have another summer where we 'don't want to go home.'