Bale became greatest ever Welsh goalscorer with hat-trick

Bale hit the landmark in Ryan Giggs' first ever game as manager of the Welsh national side. Wales, who will not feature in this summer's World Cup having failed to qualify, were playing in the China Cup, against the hosts of the friendly tournament.

Their semi-final was a total walkover, and the gulf in quality between the two sides was glaringly obvious. Bale's third of the game, which came in the 62nd minute of the game, made it 0-6 to Wales. Goals number one and two came in the 2nd and 21st minutes of the game, and once he had broken the record the Madrid man was subbed off for a rest.

He started the game two goals behind Liverpool legend Ian Rush's record tally of 28, but on completing his hat-trick, Bale reached his 29th goal for his country, aged 28.

Although the golf-loving forward has been criticised over his performance levels at Real Madrid this season, back at home in Wales he is a legend. Bale has written his name in the history books, and with his record-breaking goal he stakes a convincing claim to being the greatest Welsh footballer of all time. 

Behind Bale and Rush in the rankings are Trevor Ford, Ivor Allchurch, Dean Saunders and Craig Bellamy, but Bale now has plenty of time to distance himself from the rest of the pack, with at least five years of football left in him. 

Giggs will be beyond chuffed with his managerial debut, as his side scored six for the first time since 1996.