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Wales secured a tight 1-0 success over international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup finals qualification.

Wales' James claimed his first goal for Wales from near the goal after the home side's mix of full-time players, office workers and students had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer wheeled away in joy with his obvious relief echoed by the large contingent of Wales followers packed into three sides of the stadium in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, James was booked and a further yellow for his midfield partner ensured the pair are unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through accumulated bookings.

The home venue match is a encounter the Welsh team have to secure victory in to overtake North Macedonia and obtain a more favourable position in the final round in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual view from the sidelines, Bellamy undertaking a technical area prohibition after receiving a additional booking in the qualifiers earlier.

The manager's deputy his assistant assumed duties in the dugout and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the concluding match. Two of them received cautions in incidents that may damage their team.

The home side, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in world football, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in twenty-three times at an average of almost four per game.

Wales predictably had most of the play as their hosts lay in a low defensive block and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead pressing won possession and James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by the goalkeeper.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan picking out Broadhead on this occasion with a well-weighted ball behind the defence.

The attacker's excellent control took him past Büchel but the forward was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team thought they had broken the deadlock after the opening period when Jordan James directed a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a packed penalty box.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh celebrations were halted when the match official was directed to the VAR screen and decided that one or more of the Wales central defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas sent in a centering pass to the back post which the winger struck the woodwork.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the penalty box as it began to look like a frustrating evening for Wales.

Yet, with the contest having entered its final half-hour, Neco Williams executed a shrewd assist for Daniel James to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James cut out the goalkeeper with a superb ball along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the straightforward job of ending Welsh nerves.