Wales were 112th in the world when the World Cup was hosted by Qatar.
The Welsh men's side fell to a new low in August of last year as they plummeted to a new low of 118th in the world.
Wales will be going to the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
Three of the last four major tournaments have been qualified for by this side, once with only five European nations ranked below them.
How did it occur? Some of the key reasons show that it is more than just a single person.
Wales has never been shy of star players.
They have lacked depth in the past.
It was something that came from the days of John Toshack.
The players with potential were given a chance to play in the side.
The path to a first qualification under Chris Coleman was aided by the international experience beyond their years.
Even though he didn't play much at RB Leipzig and had to go back and forth between other teams, and even though he had to go back and forth between other teams, and even though he had to go back and forth between different teams, and even though he had to go back
Regardless of form and fortune away from Wales, it is what they have done and can do in a red shirt that is most important.
With little or no club game time to their name, the likes of Joe Rodon, Wayne Hennessey, Bale and Ramsey all went into key qualifers with little or no club game time.
Others would have looked at them. Wales have been faithful and have been repaid many times.
The story of Wales' loss to Scotland in the World Cup is the first thing fans think of when they hear about it.
The story of moving games from the spiritual home of the FAW at the time is not new.
There are lessons that have been learned. It would have been easy for the FAW to try and make money by moving key games to the Principality Stadium, which has a capacity more than double that of the city stadium.
The 19th game in a row without a defeat for the team is being held at the home of the team. In the last nine years, they have only lost one qualification there.
A unique atmosphere has been created among the fans, a comfort and a confidence found among players who have repeatedly stated their desire to remain.
The strength of that feeling was shown by Wales's captain when he called it home in 2016; his status as aSwansea City player once booed at the venue gave even more pertinence to his plea.
There was a time when Wales' preparations weren't very good.
When Bobby Gould was in charge, a group of players from the premier league trained at an open prison.
Gary Speed's approach to sports science, better relationships with clubs and increased trust in Welsh staff resulted in a decrease in the number of players withdrawing.
In the lead-up to Euro 2016 the Welsh facilities didn't match the mindset with temporary tents installed for warm up equipment.
Revenue from the last-four achievement in France helped a lot. To make sure the senior level had the platform to build on success, a large chunk of the money was used.
Wales now have their own pitches and training base on the grounds of the hotel they use as their headquarters, similar to what players would expect at the top level.
For Wales' players, playing for their country is more important than playing for a club.
"They're not just team mates and colleagues, they're best friends," Page said after the World Cup play-off triumph.
It's clear when Bale jokes with Wayne and when Ramsey and Chris are together. They have been playing together since they were young and are now friends.
It has helped foster an environment more like that of a club team, where players have the bonds you would associate with people who are together all year around.
That spirit is embodied by Bale. He shows up to friendly matches whenever he can and will often be with the squad even when he is injured.
Last week he showed his commitment. Rather than travel straight from Real Madrid's celebrations to Poland, where Wales were playing a Nations League match, Bale first flew to Portugal, where Wales had been on a training camp, so he could be with them for their journey to Poland.
With Bale and his fellow senior players leading the way for the younger generation, that ethos has formed the foundations forWales' current success.
The anxiety of football fans would have been embodied by the average Wales supporter.
It was understandable that Wales had suffered 64 years of anguish and near misses with the competition.
Speak to the players and they would not have been the same. Some people are old enough to remember some of Wales' painful failures.
They were a picture of calm, no matter where they were or when they were with the media. They played a game of cricket in the gym on the day before the game.
Page's men knew what was at stake, but they didn't let the emotion of the occasion get to them. They all said business was the same as always.
Why wouldn't they be? The Wales players have won before.
It all felt un-Welsh for the mortals to ask the questions. This isn't a nation where outward self-assuredness is the norm, so the squad's poised confidence is a welcome change.
Wales will be taking a bullish attitude with them.
There was a time when following Wales was not a big deal.
Crowds dwindled as Wales plummeted down the world rankings, while general interest waned outside of the committed hardcore.
Thousands of people travel the globe in large numbers to support their team as the core has evolved over time.
The players and their supporters have the same red, yellow and green bucket hats.
Bale describes the Red Wall as Wales' 12th man, a source of inspiration to pull the team through its toughest spells.
Welsh fans are loyal and represent their country with distinction. Tens of thousands of them traveled to France for the Euro 2016 where they received an "outstanding contribution" award.
This Wales team is an expression of a confident independent football nation, one which will be strongly supported in Qatar, despite the host country's stance on gay rights.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
