Captain Bale 100 per cent fit to lead his Dragons at the first World Cup since 1958

The last time Wales played at FIFA World Cup... 

• The Bridge on the River Kwai won seven Oscars
• The first satellite was launched into orbit 
• Teenager Pele stunned the world with his magical skills 
• Then-anonimous Liverpool-based band, The Beatles, recorded their first song... 

So, it's a no-brainer that the world has changed entirely and thoroughly since 1958, when the Dragons made their ultimate WC appearance. And we can only imagine how it must be for this tiny UK country to travel to Qatar today for its first World Cup action after 64 years. 

The draw placed them in Group B alongside their neighbours England, the United States and Iran. And all eyes will be on Wales' captain, 33-year-old Gareth Bale. 

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward - now playing for the MLS Cup winners Los Angeles FC - has been struggling with finding form and playing minutes due to injuries. He has played just half an hour of football since completing his first 90 minutes for over a year in Wales' Nations League defeat to Poland in September.

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However, the news coming on Tuesday morning says Bale is more than fit to lead his experienced side in this tournament. Ahead of Wales' departure to Qatar, the outstanding winger said: 

"I'm 100 per cent fit and ready to go."

Asked if he could play three 90-minute games against the United States, Iran and England in the space of nine days, Bale replied: "Yeah, no problem. I'm fully fit and ready to go. If I need to play three 90s, I'll play three 90s."