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Gareth Bale becomes Wales’ all-time record appearance holder.
With his 110th international cap in the World Cup match against Iran, Gareth Bale has surpassed Chris Gunther to become Wales‘ all-time appearance record.
Bale and Gunter were tied with 109 senior Wales caps before the start of the match against Iran. But with Bale in the Rob Page-selected starting lineup and Gunter among the substitutes, it propelled the former Real Madrid star one step closer to a new record.
Gunter, who has been playing his club football in League One since 2020, hasn’t been a regular starter for Wales since 2018 with the exception of a brief run of matches in 2021.
The 33-year-old full-back was also listed as a reserve against the United States, and unless there are unanticipated defensive injuries, that is likely to be the case throughout this tournament.
Wayne Hennessey, the goalkeeper, is only slightly behind with 108 caps against Iran.
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Bale already holds the record for most goals scored in Wales‘ history. In Wales‘ first World Cup game in 64 years, he scored the 41st penalty of his international career against the Americans.
The draw against the Americans was an evening kick-off, but the morning game against Iran comes at a time when fewer people back home might be able to watch it.
Ahead of the game, Bale urged for schools in Wales to let kids tune in.
“Being a 10am kick-off in Wales, if I was one of the teachers, I’d let them watch the game. I hope they do. It’s a historical moment in Wales, for us to be at a World Cup,” he said.
“Some of the parents of kids I know all want to watch the game but don’t want to take them off school. So I think a lot of schools will put the game on for them to cheer us on and get behind us. It’s a mini history lesson, and hopefully it’ll be a great occasion for all of them.”
Wales all-time appearances
- Gareth Bale (110)
- Chris Gunter (109)
- Wayne Hennessey (108)
- Neville Southall (92)
- Ashley Williams (86)
- Gary Speed (85)
- Craig Bellamy (78)
- Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey (both 77)
- Ben Davies, Dean Saunders (both 75)