Wales

Gareth Bale's suspension could doom Wales' World Cup chances

Published Mar. 25, 2017 11:27 a.m. ET

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Ryan Rosenblatt

Gareth Bale will be suspended for Wales' upcoming World Cup qualifier against Serbia, which is a big blow to their chances of making it to Russia.

Bale picked up a yellow card in Wales' 0-0 draw with Ireland on Friday, which triggered an automatic one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation.

The suspension comes with Wales sitting third in their qualifying group, a position that will not get them into the World Cup. Only the top team in the group automatically qualifies, while second place goes to a playoff. Serbia currently sit first in the group, level on points with second place Ireland. Both are four points clear of Wales.

Having to go win in Belgrade in June was always going to be tough for Wales, but doing so without Bale will be extraordinarily difficult. He's their leader, their best player and someone they essentially pin their entire attack on.

If they lose to Serbia, and if Ireland beats Austria at home as expected, Wales will be seven points out of second place with four matches remaining. That wouldn't kill Wales' World Cup chances, but it could be very close, so they either have to beat Serbia without Bale, or hope that Austria can help them out.

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