Bale wants fans' support for World Cup qualifier
Gareth Bale calls for full Millennium Stadium for World Cup qualifiers
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Wednesday, 25, Mar 2009 02:29
Wales full back Gareth Bale has called for a full Millennium Stadium ahead of their must-win World Cup qualifying clash with Finland on Saturday.
The Dragons are third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Russia but need a win in Cardiff to ensure they remain in contention for the 2010 finals as Guus Hiddink's men have a game in hand.
But according to Tottenham Hotspur defender Bale, Wales have the talent to qualify for their first major finals in more than 50 years and need a packed stadium cheering them on.
"We must get the fans behind us so we can pull off two results," the left-footer said.
"We have the quality of players now to qualify now or in the near future."
Bale, who will win his 18th cap against Finland, added: "The more fans you get into the ground, the more they boost the team.
"The fans can act as the 12th man and now we're going somewhere as a football team and have a lot of potential, hopefully the crowd will want to cheer us on."
Bale's team-mate Chris Gunter - who recently sealed a loan move from Spurs to Nottingham Forest - backed his defensive colleague's call for support.
"It makes a difference when the stadium is full," the 19-year-old added.
"You always see the stadium full for the rugby and it is very disappointing to see the stadium when we play - the last attendance was something like 12,500 people.
"We feel with the group of players we have, it would be nice to get more as we try to build and grow into a successful side.
"But we need to realise that we must build interest back up and if we get a few good results, then the fans will, I'm sure, come back."
Wales face Finland at 15:00 GMT on Saturday before a home clash with group leaders Germany on Wednesday April 1st.