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FIFA World Cup Qualifying Draw: What did we Learn?

By Chris Jones

Sep 10, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; United States fans hold up scarves during the national anthem before the game against Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; United States fans hold up scarves during the national anthem before the game against Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gareth Bale has a shot at his first World Cup

Jul 29, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (11) reacts during the game against AS Roma at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (11) reacts during the game against AS Roma at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Gareth Bale might be one of the biggest stars in world soccer never to have experienced a World Cup.

That might be about to change.

Bale and the Wales National Team benefitted from a generous boost to #10 in the FIFA rankings, putting them in the first pot, which allowed them to avoid being in a group with the likes of Germany, Spain, Belgium, England, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Instead, they are grouped with Austria, Serbia, the Republic of Ireland, Moldova, and Georgia. They might have tough matchups with Serbia and Austria, but they seem to be the favorite of the group.

Wales, led by the likes of Bale and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, have been impressive in qualifying for the UEFA European Championship, remaining undefeated through six matches.

The Real Madrid superstar is on the verge of leading the Welsh to their first Euro Championship ever, but can he lead his country to their second ever World Cup, first since 1958? This might be his best, and last, shot.

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