Wales qualified for this year’s event in Qatar via a playoff in a narrow one-nil victory against Ukraine back in June and it is the first time they have qualified for a FIFA World Cup since 1958. The Dragons’ qualification meant they claimed the final spot in World Cup Group B alongside Iran, the United States and home nation rivals England.

Outright Odds

England will be the clear favourites to top the group offered odds on at 3/10 in Betfair’s latest football tips. Wales and USA are both offered at 11/10 to qualify from the group with it set to be a tussle between the two and Iran may also get involved to fight for a place in the knockout stages.

If Wales are to progress they will need the experienced players within their squad to be at their best to lead an overall incredibly young squad.

The Key Players

Gareth Bale is Wales’ standout star and he always looks like a world beater when he plays for his nation regardless of his club form. It was from Bale’s free-kick that Ukraine scored an own goal which sent Wales to the World Cup and this was not the first time the former Real Madrid star has played a significant part in sending his country to a major tournament.

In qualifying for Euro 2016 Bale netted a brace away to Andorra after the home side initially led which earned Wales a valuable three points. On his 50th cap, Bale scored the only goal against Belgium to earn a crucial victory that left Wales truly dreaming of making it to France.

Bale was also one of the standout performers against Belgium at Euro 2016 in the 3-1 victory in the quarter-final; he did not manage any goals or assists but aside from ability his leadership qualities are vital for Wales. Aaron Ramsey is another veteran within the squad that provides a wealth of experience and knows how to win. Ramsey has also had some memorable performances in a Wales shirt; his energy, tenacity and drive are ever present when he lines up for his country.

In the opening fixture of Euro 2016, Ramsey set up Hal Robson Kanu’s winner against Slovakia which, in the end, proved vital. Without a winner in the game, Wales’ impressive run to the semi-finals may never have been.

In qualification for the following tournament, Ramsey again was huge as he scored a brace against Hungary to secure Wales’ place at the event.

Both Bale and Ramsey always show peak commitment and desire on the pitch for their nation and have been absolutely vital time after time in the past. Both are still spectacular footballers but are certainly coming to the end of their primes if they have not passed them yet.

The new Major League Soccer star and OGC Nice man still have plenty to offer for their nation but perhaps more vitally they can shepherd the young emerging players within the group and always bring calmness and composure. The two have played at the highest stages of football many times before and if Wales are to make a run to the knockout rounds this summer they will have to be at their best this winter.