Tottenham star is eager to upset the odds
Gareth Bale has had plenty of experience of defying all expectations this season as part of the Tottenham team that have defeated both holders Inter Milan and seven-time winners AC Milan in their remarkable run to the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Welsh winger is now hoping to help deliver an even bigger shock at international level this weekend when he represents his country for what will incredibly be the 28th time despite being only 21 against England at the Millennium Stadium.
Bale told the BBC: "We're quietly confident in the camp that we've got enough to pull off an upset. People might laugh at us but we fully believe that we've got some good players here and we'll be fully prepared and ready to take it to England.
"A lIt will be a great occasion and one we all want to play in. I definitely think it will be a great experience for us to play at the highest level and it will stand us in good stead for the future. Now is the time we need to start delivering and there's no better game than to beat England."
Gary Speed's side are [8.8] to beat the Three Lions in the inexperienced manager's first Euro 2012 qualifier and enter the fixture with minimal momentum after a dire start in Group G was followed by a 3-0 loss to Republic of Ireland last month, though they were without Bale on that occasion.
England were shocked in their last "derby" match against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in 2005 but remain convincing [1.47] favourites to triumph in Cardiff, as they did 1-0 in the same World Cup qualifying campaign that the upset in Belfast occurred.
Can the 116th-ranked nation stun Fabio Capello's men? Share your view below...
Published: 23 Mar 2011
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