Unemployed veteran hounded out by club - but unstoppable for his beloved homeland

Gareth Bale hailed Wales' qualification for a first World Cup since 1958 as the greatest result in their history after a 1-0 win over Ukraine in Cardiff cruelly denied the war-torn nation a place in Qatar. It's a remarkable achievement for a man who was almost entirely underused by Real Madrid, the club he is leaving after a nine-year stay.

Bale's free-kick, which was turned into his net by Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko, separated the sides despite the visitors dominating the game at the Cardiff City Stadium. Bale led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, but even that achievement can't compare to the latest.

"The result is the greatest in history of Welsh football. It's what dreams are made of. I'm speechless because we're so happy. We did it for all our amazing fans in the country. Words can't describe our feelings at the moment."

Wales had barely threatened the Ukrainian goal in the first half, but in Bale have a star capable of changing the course of matches in an instant. The 32-year-old is without a club having brought down the curtain on nine years at Real Madrid by picking up a fifth Champions League winner's medal last weekend.

Tuesday, 21.45: (1.43) Italy (4.60) Hungary (9.00)

Bale has reserved his best for international duty in recent years and will now get the chance to add a World Cup to a glorious career. His free-kick on 34 minutes was headed off target until Yarmolenko tried to head it to safety and only succeeded in deflecting the ball past the helpless Georgiy Bushchan.

Wales head coach Rob Page can rest assured that the former Tottenham and Southampton man will deliver for the national team.

"In big matches, Gareth delivered for us. He did it against Austria in the play-off semi-final with two goals and he's done it tonight with a free-kick. Somebody with that quality, he always poses a threat."

Wales are now unbeaten in 19 home games stretching back nearly four years for a reason as they were roared home by the majority of the 33,000-strong crowd. Page's men will face England, USA and Iran in the group stages in November.

As for Bale, we don't know where he'll play next season. What we do know is that his nation will again rely heavily on him.