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Top 5 stars who are missing the 2018 World Cup

By Benjamin Barkworth

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 10: Players of the Netherlands stand for a minutes silence for the Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan ahead of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Netherlands and Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena on October 10, 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 10: Players of the Netherlands stand for a minutes silence for the Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan ahead of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Netherlands and Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena on October 10, 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images. /

Gareth Bale

The wait continues for Welsh fans; they haven’t reached a World Cup since 1958. This is their best side for a while, which they showed by reaching the semi-finals at the Euros. Going in to the last qualifier against Ireland, they just needed to avoid defeat at home. They were unable to do this, though, because they lost 1-0. Bale was unavailable to play due to injury, and his presence was missed.

His last few seasons with Real Madrid have been less than impressive as he has struggled for form and injuries have hampered him. However, his games with Wales have completely contrasted with this. At the Euros, he was the figurehead of the team with key performances against Slovakia and Northern Ireland. In close games, he was often the difference which allowed them to pull through because he was the only world-class player.

The majority of the team will still be able to play in the 2022 World Cup. Also, the nature of their style means that the system is more important than individuals. Therefore, they can afford to change personnel with Bale being the only player who is irreplaceable. However, he will be 32 by then, so he is likely to be past his peak by then especially if his struggle with injuries continues.

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