Wales face Iran in a crucial second World Cup match, knowing victory would significantly boost their chances of reaching the second round in Qatar.
Robert Page’s side started with a 1-1 draw against the United States, while Iran were beaten 6-2 by England.
Captain Gareth Bale will overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as Wales’ the most capped man if he plays on Friday.
“It’s an incredible achievement, it’s an honor to represent my country so often,” said Bale, who has 109 caps.
“But it’s more important that we try to get the win. Hopefully we can and that will make it even more special.
“It will be a tough game against Iran – they are a very good team. They are here for a reason, but of course we think we can beat them.”
Bale, 33, is already Wales’ all-time leading goalscorer in men’s football and he extended his record to 41 goals with a late penalty against the United States on Monday.
That match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, also the venue for the game against Iran, was Wales’ first in a World Cup since 1958.
They looked impressed with the size of the occasion in a first half in which they were dominated by the USA, but Page’s men were much improved after the break and were well worth their beating. point.
Wales can’t afford to start so slowly against Iran, who they must beat to have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages, with Group B favorites and early leaders England set to play their third and last group game on Tuesday.
“Iran is going to want a reaction after a disappointing loss,” Page said.
“I think they would have watched the matches and England was a free game for them. I think that’s why the manager changed the form, he changed it for this game. I think we won’t be not too surprised by the formation he chooses.Both teams must win.
As Page suggests, this is also an important game for Iran, who will almost certainly be heading for group stage elimination if they suffer a second out of two defeats.
Carlos Queiroz’s side had kept their sheets clean in six of their previous nine matches before being crushed by a creeping England side on Monday.
“For us, the World Cup starts tomorrow [Friday]. We have two games and six points to play for,” said Queiroz, a former Real Madrid manager and former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“Welcome to the big show for Wales after 64 years. It’s amazing to see the Red Wall in the stadium.
“Wales are playing with character. It’s like a party. A football party show.”
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Page says Wales midfielder Joe Allen is “fit and can’t wait to go” after a hamstring injury has kept the player away from Swansea City since September.
Having trained on his own since Wales arrived in Qatar, Allen joined the rest of the squad for Wednesday’s session.
“Having him available is a huge boost for us with two games to go,” Bale said.
“Hopefully he can come in or start and do what Joe Allen does best and cover every blade of grass.”
Aside from “a few tired bodies” after the first draw against the United States, Page says his side are in great shape.
Striker Kieffer Moore is in contention to start after a game-changing performance as a half-time substitute against USA.
Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand will miss the game after suffering a concussion and breaking his nose against England.
Queiroz said: “There’s a medical protocol that we have to follow and there’s no way around the protocol so he won’t be playing.”
