Robert Page's guys will face Scotland or Ukraine for a place in Qatar later this 12 months after Bale rolled returned the years to once more produce his nice shape for his u . S . A ..
Bale's lovely unfastened-kick and strike into the pinnacle corner either facet of half of-time gave the home facet a two-aim benefit.
A Ben Davies personal goal halved Austria's arrears, but Wales saw out a stressful very last area to transport one in shape away from ending the sixty four-12 months wait to reach the biggest level in football.
Bale has been nearly a non-existent parent for the duration of the final year of his agreement at Real Madrid.
The 32-year-antique has played simply seventy seven minutes at club stage for the reason that last international destroy in November and irked his critics within the Spanish capital by using declaring himself not worthy for Madrid's four-zero defeat to Barcelona last weekend.
There changed into never any doubt about Bale making himself to be had for probable his last shot at leading his united states to a World Cup.
Once once more the 4-time Champions League winner stood up to produce the moments of excellent his state wanted.
Wales have been lucky just to be on stage phrases by the point Bale took aim to open the scoring midway through the primary 1/2.
Austria completed fourth in a disappointing qualifying campaign, but made it into the playoffs courtesy in their Nations League performance.