It is always great when small countries reach major tournaments and Euro 2016 might feature a particularly strong presence. Iceland, with a population of just over 329,000, have become the tiniest nation to reach the Euros while Wales are agonizingly close to ending a long-standing 57-year tournament drought. Northern Ireland are leading their group as of press time.

No offense to the other two, but Wales would provide the biggest draw. Wales are not only on the cusp of reaching their first major tournament in 57 years, but their presence would ensure one of the world's best players will be in action on ­soccer's second-biggest international stage.

A strike from Real Madrid star Gareth Bale ensured victory over Cyprus Thursday and while Wales could only draw with Israel Sunday, it needs only two points with two games to go. It has been no fluke as Wales lead a group featuring talent-packed Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina, who played in last year's World Cup. If Wales qualify, Bale will avoid the fate of greats like Northern Ireland's George Best and compatriot Ryan Giggs, ­coincidentally both former Manchester United players, who won ­everything at club level but never got to play in the Euros or the World Cup.

Wales is anything but a one-man team. They may rely on Bale for goals but their defense has been extremely solid, marshaled by Swansea center back Ashley Williams, and their midfield, featuring Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, do well to create chances and feed Bale. While it may be a little early to call them the Welsh "Golden Generation," this team is more talented than previous versions. In addition, one gets the feeling that the players play hard for each other and put a lot of heart into representing their country. The plucky 0-0 away draw against Belgium in ­November was a brave defensive performance that refused to buckle under pressure against a supposedly stronger team.

The country's last appearance in a tournament was the 1958 World Cup and since then, close calls in both Euro and World Cup qualifying have ended in heartbreak. In 2011, the sorrow occurred off the pitch when then-­national coach Gary Speed killed himself. The drought has been ­amplified by the fact that Wales have had ­numerous stars like Giggs, Mark Hughes and Ian Rush in the past few decades.

The Welsh will need to wait until October to try to realize their qualification dream but few will bet against them.

The author is a Beijing-based writer. hcpyip@gmail.com