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The Welsh side earned a narrow 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James claimed his first international strike for Wales 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 celebrated in delight with his visible excitement echoed by the 3,000 Welsh followers packed into three sides of the venue in Vaduz.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was booked and another late caution for Ethan Ampadu ensured both midfielders are ruled out for the upcoming decisive game with their next opponents due to suspension.

That home venue fixture is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to overtake North Macedonia and obtain a improved draw in the playoffs in March.

Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the stands, the head coach completing a sideline suspension after being shown a second yellow card in the tournament previously.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers stood in in the coaching zone and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the final qualifier. A pair were booked in moments that might hamper Wales.

The home side, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and let in 23 times at an rate of around four per game.

Wales unsurprisingly had most of the play as Liechtenstein employed a deep defensive line and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Broadhead high press caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by the goalkeeper.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James locating Broadhead this time with a well-weighted pass behind the defence.

Broadhead’s fine first touch took him past the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales believed they'd scored the opener after the opening period when James nodded a lofted Thomas corner back into a crowded six-yard box.

Büchel was harassed by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch fell to Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh joy were halted when the match official was directed to the video review system and decided that at least one of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

Wales increased the pressure after the half-time and Sorba Thomas provided a cross to the far post which Daniel James struck the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the goal area as it appeared like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the match having reached its 61st minute, Williams played a shrewd assist for Daniel James to break behind the opposition backline.

James beat Büchel with a delightful ball into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward task of easing Wales' nerves.