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Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup qualification.

Jordan James notched his maiden international strike for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s mix of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for the majority of the match. The scorer ran off in joy with his clear emotion echoed by the 3,000 Welsh fans packed into most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further yellow for his midfield partner means both midfielders are suspended for the upcoming crucial match with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

The home venue match is a clash Wales must win to move above their rivals and guarantee a better draw in the final round in March.

Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the sidelines, the Wales manager completing a touchline ban after receiving a further caution in the competition previously.

The manager's number two Piet Cremers took his place in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the final qualifier. Both James and Ampadu came unstuck in moments that could really hurt their team.

The home side, situated near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their winless run and allowed 23 times at an rate of around four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly dominated possession as their hosts employed a compact shape and packed their defence.

Their opponent's target was rarely tested until the forward's high press won possession and Jordan James saw his effort from the edge of the box parried by Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, Jordan finding his teammate on this occasion with a well-weighted ball over the top.

Broadhead’s fine touch took him past the keeper but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a difficult angle.

The Welsh team thought they had taken the lead after 26 minutes when James headed a lofted Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was flustered by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh elation were halted when the referee was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that a player of the Wales defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the interval and Thomas delivered a centering pass to the opposite side which Daniel James struck the woodwork.

Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

However, with the game having entered its second half, Williams delivered a intelligent assist for his teammate to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a excellent cross across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan had the simple task of relieving Welsh tension.