Responding to Spanish critics a 'waste of time' for Bale
-
Gaza rescuers say 80 killed in Israeli strikes amid hostage release talks
-
Ancient reptile tracks rewrite when animals conquered land
-
Turkey eyes legal steps after Kurdish militant group PKK disbands
-
Alcaraz sweeps past Draper and into Italian Open semis
-
Europe Ryder Cup captain Donald has given players no assurances
-
Trump drug price plan could nix investment, warns Roche
-
Tom Cruise unleashes 'Mission: Impossible' at Cannes
-
Trump admin weakens limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
-
Paris to allow swimming in Seine from July in Olympic legacy
-
Germany's Merz urges Europe-US unity on Ukraine war
-
Tom Cruise nearly met his end on 'The Final Reckoning'
-
No new burdens for McIlroy, living the dream after career Slam
-
Sean Combs's ex Cassie to face defense grilling at second day in court
-
Ageless beauty contest: South African grannies strut the catwalk
-
Trump says 'possibility' of meeting Putin for Ukraine talks in Turkey
-
Gauff sees off Andreeva to reach Italian Open semis
-
Merz vows to rev up German economic 'growth engine'
-
Strikes kill 29 in Gaza, amid hostage release talks
-
Tennis champ Sinner meets Pope Leo, offers quick rally
-
England sees driest spring since 1956: government agency
-
Trump presses Syria leader on Israel ties after lifting sanctions
-
Rare blue diamond fetches $21.5 mn at auction in Geneva
-
Stock markets fluctuate as China-US trade euphoria fades
-
Ousted Myanmar envoy charged with trespass in London residence row
-
Russia jails prominent vote monitor for five years
-
Umbro owner in joint bid for Le Coq Sportif
-
Tom Cruise has world guessing as he unleashes 'Mission: Impossible' at Cannes
-
China's Tencent posts forecast-beating Q1 revenue on gaming growth
-
Trump presses Syria leader on Israel relations after lifting sanctions
-
FA appoint former Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth as chief football officer
-
Stop holding opponents incommunicado, UN experts tell Venezuela
-
Indonesian filmmakers aim to impress at Cannes
-
Trump presses Syria leader on Israel after lifting sanctions
-
French PM to testify on child abuse scandal
-
Players stuck in middle with IPL, national teams on collision course
-
Peru PM quits ahead of no-confidence vote
-
Strikes kill 29 in Gaza as hostage release talks ongoing
-
Court raps Brussels for lack of transparency on von der Leyen vaccine texts
-
France summons cryptocurrency businesses after kidnappings
-
Pakistan returns Indian border guard captured after Kashmir attack
-
Baidu plans self-driving taxi tests in Europe this year
-
Trump meets new Syria leader after lifting sanctions
-
Equity markets swing as China-US trade euphoria fades
-
Burberry warns 1,700 jobs at risk after annual loss
-
Trump to meet new Syrian leader after offering sanctions relief
-
'Children are innocent': Myanmar families in grief after school air strike
-
Colombia joins Belt and Road initiative as China courts Latin America
-
Australian champion cyclist Dennis gets suspended sentence after wife's road death
-
Protection racket? Asian semiconductor giants fear looming tariffs
-
S. Korea Starbucks in a froth over presidential candidates names
NYSE - LSE
| RBGPF | 1.27% | 63.81 | $ | |
| RYCEF | -0.19% | 10.68 | $ | |
| CMSC | -0.11% | 22.036 | $ | |
| NGG | 0.04% | 67.56 | $ | |
| GSK | -0.07% | 36.325 | $ | |
| BP | -0.54% | 30.395 | $ | |
| SCS | -1.24% | 10.579 | $ | |
| RELX | 1.24% | 53.057 | $ | |
| BTI | -0.64% | 40.43 | $ | |
| RIO | -0.19% | 62.155 | $ | |
| VOD | -0.28% | 9.035 | $ | |
| AZN | -1.53% | 66.701 | $ | |
| BCC | -1.41% | 92.405 | $ | |
| BCE | -2.81% | 21.38 | $ | |
| JRI | -0.9% | 12.765 | $ | |
| CMSD | -0.09% | 22.37 | $ |
Responding to Spanish critics a 'waste of time' for Bale
Gareth Bale said he will run into the ground for Wales as he dismissed criticism from Spain of his club form as a "waste of my time."
Bale was at his brilliant best by scoring twice to take Wales into a World Cup playoff final with a 2-1 win over Austria in Cardiff on Thursday.
The 32-year-old has barely featured for Real Madrid in the final year of his contract with the Spanish giants and was fiercely criticised for declaring himself unfit for Madrid's 4-0 defeat to Barcelona last weekend.
"I'm not sending a message to anyone," Bale told Sky Sports on his badge-kissing celebration.
"It's a waste of my time. It's disgusting and they should all be ashamed of themselves."
Bale had played just 77 minutes at club level since the last international break in November but showed no signs of rustiness as he again carried the hopes of a nation.
The four-time Champions League winner smashed home an inch-perfect free-kick to open the scoring and produced another perfect finish just after half-time to double the home side's lead.
Wales have not reached a World Cup since 1958, but are now just one home match against either Scotland or Ukraine away from qualifying for Qatar.
"I can hit a free-kick if I am fit to play," added Bale.
"It was nice to see it go in and give us that momentum and nice to get the second one as well.
"I had some cramp at the end which is normal. I'll run myself into the ground for this country, we all did tonight."
Aaron Ramsey has also struggled to club minutes, both with Juventus and during a loan spell with Scottish champions Rangers.
But he also played the full 90 minutes and said the home crowd could prove the difference in the final.
"It means everything playing in front of these (fans)," said Ramsey.
"We are one game away from a World Cup which is everything for me, Bale, the crowd, everyone."
Ramsey also defended his teammate and underlined the importance of playing for his country to Bale.
"It's not been easy for him, but coming and playing for his country means everything to him," added Ramsey.
"We're a great group, we all want to play for each other and we're grateful to have him."
P.Santos--AMWN