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Bale canvasses operation block bi-annual World cup

 

Gareth Bale has urged football bosses to block the plan to stage the World Cup every two years.

The Wales captain hopes to help his country reach the Finals for the first time since 1958, as they aim to register a third straight win in their qualifying group by beating Estonia in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is spearheading the move for biennial World Cups, as part of his role with FIFA. But European football’s key figures are hostile to the idea and Bale echoed their concerns.

The hosts lost by 157 runs to India on day five, meaning England must win the fifth test to draw the series

‘It’s not something I really like,’ said Bale, preparing to win his 99th cap. ‘I like the tradition of [the World Cup] every four years. It has that prestige like the Olympics where it comes around every four years and it feels that little bit more special because it’s not happening too often.

‘If we had one every two years, it would lose that bit of history. Once every four years does make it that bit more prestigious.’

Bale’s hat-trick – his second for Wales – secured a 3-2 win over Belarus in Kazan, Russia over the weekend and defeating Estonia will allow Rob Page’s men to keep the pressure on Belgium and Czech Republic at the top of the group.

Even if Wales finish outside the top two, they still have a strong chance of securing a play-off spot – another possible route to Qatar 2022 – thanks to their performances in the Nations League.

Bale added: ‘In terms of international football it’s the pinnacle. It’s something every player dreams of playing in. I’m no different and nobody else in the squad is any different.’

READ ALSO W/Cup Qualifier: Bale hat-trick grabs Wales dramatic win over Belarus

As long as he stays healthy, Bale will complete his century in next month’s vital qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague.

Wales will once more be without midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was not deemed fit enough to travel, and forward Kieffer Moore, who is isolating. But Harry Wilson returns after missing the Belarus game through suspension.

Bale added: ‘We’re just fully focused on trying to win the group. If we win every game, we qualify. It’s in our hands.’

 

 

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