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Wales earned a narrow 1-0 victory over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their hopes of World Cup progress.

Jordan James claimed his debut international strike for the national team from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had defended for over an hour. James celebrated in joy with his obvious relief mirrored by the three thousand Wales supporters occupying multiple stands of the stadium in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, Jordan James was booked and a further booking for Ethan Ampadu ensured both midfielders are ruled out for Tuesday’s decisive game with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

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

Craig Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the sidelines, the head coach completing a touchline ban after being shown a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

The manager's number two Cremers assumed duties in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the concluding match. Two of them came unstuck in situations that might hamper their team.

Their opponents, situated among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in twenty-three goals at an average of around four per game.

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

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead chasing down won possession and James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by Büchel.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, Jordan picking out Broadhead now with a accurate delivery into space.

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

The Welsh team felt they taken the lead after 26 minutes when James directed a deep Thomas corner back into a crowded six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance fell to Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh elation were cut short when the referee was sent to the VAR screen and decided that at least one of the Welsh central defenders was in an offside from James’s header.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the half-time and Thomas delivered a centering pass to the back post which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then directed his header off target from inside the six-yard box as it appeared like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

However, with the contest having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams played a intelligent pass for Daniel James to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a excellent cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the straightforward job of relieving Wales' anxiety.