World Cup play-off: Wales 2-1 Austria - Reaction as Bale brilliance inspires Welsh win

1. Wales will face final play-off against either Scotland or Ukraine
2. Scotland v Ukraine has been postponed until June
3. Wales have not reached the World Cup since 1958
4. Baumgartner hits Welsh bar in frenetic start
5. Stunning Bale free-kick puts hosts in front at break
6. Bale's sharp finish doubles Welsh lead early in second half
7. Austria pull goal back as Sabitzer shot deflects off Ben Davies

Here ends a memorable night

So that's about it from us on what has been a simply fantastic night for Welsh football.

Real Madrid might not care for Gareth Bale, but he has shown tonight he remains an incredible talent and he could just be taking Wales to a World Cup.

Thank you for following along with us tonight, we will see you again for a somewhat calmer night when Wales are in friendly action on Tuesday.

Huw Evans Picture Agency

'Best free-kick I have seen' - Page

Wales manager Robert Page told Sky Sports:

“I don’t think it’s sunk in properly yet. What a game, what a night, what an occasion.

“The star man turns up – I have just said to him that’s the best free-kick I have ever seen in my life.

“Two great goals, a deflected goal against makes it an anxious last half hour. But to a man I thought they were outstanding. We had to dig deep at the end.

“They thoroughly deserve all the plaudits they are going to get, those players. They are an unbelievable group of men.

“He (Gareth Bale) hasn’t played many minutes but at least he has been training day in, day out. Did we anticipate he would play 90 minutes? Probably not. We knew we would get an outstanding hour out of him.

“In the end he cramps up and we take him off.

“We are a cup final away now, that’s it. We prepared like any other game and it was all about Austria. They are a very good team. We are one win away from the World Cup.”

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Elsewhere in Europe...

Sweden beat the Czech Republic 1-0 thanks to Robin Quaison's extra-time goal.

Poland host Sweden on Tuesday for a place in Qatar.

'I don't need to send a message' - Bale

Gareth Bale said he has no "need to send a massage" after his memorable double inspired Wales' victory.

Bale scored a stunning free-kick and a fine second as Wales reached a World Cup play-off final.

The Real Madrid forward has been criticised in the Spanish media having missed last weekend's defeat to Barcelona.

Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Bale was asked whether his celebrations had sent a message.

“I don’t need to send a message," he said.

"I don’t need to say anything, it’s a waste of my time. It’s disgusting. They should be ashamed of themselves. I am not fussed, end of."

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'World Cup would be icing on the cake' - Ramsey

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey told Sky Sports:

“It means everything. Playing in front of these [fans], what more can you want?

“We are game away from a World Cup which is everything for me, for Balo (Gareth Bale), for the nation, for the group of lads.

“We have come a long way since the early days and this would be the icing on the cake, to qualify.

“We know there is still a bit of work to be done but we can enjoy tonight.

“It’s not been easy for [Bale] but him coming and playing for his country, it means everything to him. You can see that from the way he plays.”

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A match report to savour

You probably already want to read my colleague Dafydd Pritchard's match report on a glorious night for Wales.

Well here you are.

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'I can hit a free-kick if I am able to play' - Bale

Wales captain Gareth Bale told Sky Sports:

“It was a massive game. We knew that. We had to perform and dig deep and use our experience in big games. It’s the perfect scenario.

“I can hit a free-kick if I am able to play. It was nice to see it go in. The early goal gave us that momentum and the second one was nice as well.

“I had some cramp at the end which I guess is normal but l will run into the ground for this country and we all did that tonight.

“That’s half the job done. We will enjoy tonight. There is still another tough game against either Scotland or Ukraine and we will be ready for that when it comes.”

FAW

Simon Church

Former Wales striker Simon Church on BBC Radio Wales

This is what it's all about. That's the biggest factor of playing here - the fans make such a different. You see it with the players and their relationship with them.

Special celebrations.

It is going to be an incredible party here if Wales beat Scotland or Ukraine in June.

But of course, the job is only half done.

Elsewhere in Europe... A HUGE SHOCK!

Italy may be the European champions… but they are NOT going to the World Cup.

Aleksandar Trajkovski scored in injury time to give North Macedonia a famous 1-0 win.

The minnows will face Portugal – who beat Turkey 3-1 - in the final.

Sweden v Czech Republic has gone to extra time.

Hardly anyone has left the Cardiff City Stadium.

Zombie Nation is back on.

There are going to be a simply sensational number of hangovers in Wales tomorrow.

Sam Ricketts

Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

This is a Gareth Bale who has played for Wales since he was 16. I can’t think of a game where he didn’t play well. He's caried this country. We are where we are because of him. We have a team around him but he’s one magical player. There was a time he’d score 90% of our goals. Tonight they’ve never been more important. When he's in the team you’ve got the chance to win any game.

Nathan Blake

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

What a night for Bale. Give him the keys to the city!

We said it would be a tight affair but we felt this would be the result tonight.

Wales' players are soaking up the adulation.

Austria's fans just clapped Wales.

The best team won tonight.

Nathan Blake

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

Absolutely fantastic. Brilliant game and a great result for Wales. Only half the job done, on to the play-off final.

Sam Vokes

Wales and Wycombe striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Unbelievable. This place is bouncing. It is something that has evaded us since 1958. The scenes tonight show it all. We have to wait for June for the next one.

Sam Ricketts

Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Part one done tonight. What a game. You thought it could have been a cagey game but it was the opposite. End to end, chance to chance. Wales come out on top. Gareth Bale comes out on top. Two magical goals.

Wales carried over the line by a master of his craft

We will of course bring you lots of reaction as we get it.

What a night for Welsh football and what a night from Gareth Bale.

He's just incredible.

FULL-TIME

Wales have won it!

They will play Scotland or Ukraine for a place at the World Cup!

I'm not shouting, you are!

Brennan Johnson rattles a shot which is pushed wide as Wales break.

That's got to be it.

That is it!

Wales have won!