GARETH BALE set Wales on the path to reaching its first World Cup since 1958 with a double strike and an assist in a 4-0 victory over Moldova at the start of qualifying Monday.

    The empathic display, albeit against a wretched Moldova side, was the first outing by the Welsh since they stunned the continent by reaching the European Championship semifinals in July. “That was history,” Bale said. “Now it’s time to make some more.”

    Bale was the inspiration on the field in the Group D qualifier just as he was in France, taking his international tally to 24 goals — only four behind Wales’ all-time record scorer Ian Rush.

    Bale’s first goal in Cardiff was one of the easiest he will ever be gifted.

    A back pass from Moldova defender Ion Jardan was inexplicably sent into the path of Bale, the only Wales player in the visitors’ half, four minutes into the second half. Bale darted forward with the ball before lifting it over the goalkeeper.

    Jardan also assisted Bale’s second goal in stoppage time. The Real Madrid forward was pushed over by the hapless Jardan in the penalty area and he converted from the spot.

    Meanwhile, Diego Costa said he always knew he would score again for Spain after netting twice in an 8-0 rout of Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifying opener Monday.

    The Chelsea striker answered critics following a run of one goal in his 11 previous appearances for Spain by scoring the opener in the 10th minute, heading in former Atletico Madrid teammate Koke’s free kick.

    “I had struggled because a striker always needs to score goals but now I’m participating more in the play and I knew the goals were going to come,” Costa told reporters.(SD-Agencies)