Gareth Bale insists Wales are focused on seeking qualification for Euro 2016
Last Updated: 04/09/15 11:57am
Wales striker Gareth Bale celebrates after the European Qualifier between Cyprus and Wales
Gareth Bale insists Wales remain focused on qualifying for next summer's European Championships after victory in Cyprus moved them to within one win of their first major tournament in 58 years.
Chris Coleman's side can book their place at next summer's showpiece event - potentially their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup - with victory at home to Israel on Sunday after Bale's 82nd-minute header sealed victory in Nicosia.
And, while admitting he did not have his best game in a Wales shirt, the Real Madrid forward was pleased to have put his side on the brink of an historic achievement.
"I don't think I had the best of games tonight but when there's a chance, hopefully I can tuck it in," he told Sky Sports.
Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams react to Wales' crucial 1-0 win over Cyprus which leaves them one win away from qualification to the European Championships
"Sometimes it happens like that. Luckily enough I did tonight and it has given us an important three points.
"We knew the task coming in and obviously there has been a lot of media surrounding us. We know what we have to do [against Israel] but we're a strong team.
"We're together and we know what our capabilities are. We're one unit and we know what we need to do now (to reach Euro 2016)."
On their last trip to Cyprus - a Euro 2008 qualifier in 2007 - Wales struggled to deal with the humid conditions and lost 3-1 as they failed to qualify for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
Gareth Bale's header secured Wales' victory over Cyprus which leaves them one win away from securing European qualification
However, eight years on, Wales leave Cyprus on the verge of qualification, and Bale was pleased to have built on previous experiences.
"I think the game was a bit more than tough," he added. "We that knew coming over here, from previous experiences where we haven't done too well mainly because of the humidity.
source:skysports.com
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