WALES fans have been expressing their pride as a wait of more than six decades came to an end on Monday night.

For the first time in 64 years, Wales took to the biggest stage of all by appearing in the FIFA World Cup Finals.

First up was a match against the United States and a battling display saw Rob Page's Wales secure a 1-1 draw.

A late penalty from captain Gareth Bale secured a share of the spoils for the Red Dragons, who improved greatly in the second half in Qatar.

In a post on the Denbighshire Free Press Facebook page, Art Heinrich said: "Well played."

Meanwhile, Tish Aldridge said: "Poor first half came back second half."

 

Denbighshire Free Press: Wales' Gareth Bale (left) celebrates after scoring their side's first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al-Rayyan. Picture date: Monday November 21, 2022.Wales' Gareth Bale (left) celebrates after scoring their side's first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al-Rayyan. Picture date: Monday November 21, 2022. (Image: PA)

 

Wales’ first World Cup match for 64 years looked like ending in defeat after Timothy Weah rewarded the Americans’ first-half dominance with a clinical 36th-minute strike at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha.

But Bale was felled in the box eight minutes from time by Tim Ream and picked himself up to smash home his 41st goal for Wales from the penalty spot.

READ MORE: Wales back at the World Cup Finals

A lot could be riding on next Tuesday's group match between Wales and England.

And one fan looking forward to it will be swapping the shape of the ball.

Sam Higgitt, more synonymous as a long-serving figure within Ruthin Rugby Club, will be cheering Wales on.

"I'm going to the England game and hopefully they're not out by then," said Sam. "I'm fairly confident they won't be.

"They have got to win one of their first two games.

"It should be good and a nice bit of winter sun. There are eight stadiums for the World Cup and we will be going to all of them. We had already booked our flights before the Ukraine game. I've got some friends who live out there.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Wales in a World Cup."