🔗 Share this article

The Welsh side claimed a tight 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James notched his debut international strike for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of professionals, office workers and students had held out for more than 60 minutes. James celebrated in joy with his visible excitement shared by the 3,000 Wales supporters packed into most sections of the venue in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, yet, James was cautioned and a further booking for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are unavailable for the upcoming crunch tie with North Macedonia through suspension.

That Wales' ground fixture is a clash Wales have to secure victory in to move above North Macedonia and guarantee a improved position in the playoffs in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar view from the sidelines, Bellamy serving a sideline suspension after receiving a additional booking in the tournament last month.

The manager's deputy Cremers took his place in the dugout and several key players – Jordan James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the last group game. A pair received cautions in moments that may damage their team.

Their opponents, placed among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and conceded 23 goals at an average of nearly four per fixture.

Wales predictably controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a compact shape and packed their defence.

The home goal was rarely tested until the forward's pressing caused a mistake and James saw his shot from the 18-yard line parried by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, Jordan locating Broadhead on this occasion with a precise ball over the top.

Broadhead’s fine first touch beat the keeper but the forward was unable to score from a tight angle.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after the opening period when James headed a deep Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh elation were cut short when the match official was sent to the video review system and ruled that a player of the Welsh centre-halves was in an offside from James’s header.

The visitors raised the tempo after the break and Thomas sent in a centering pass to the far post which James struck the woodwork.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the six-yard box as it started to seem like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

However, with the match having ticked into its second half, Williams executed a intelligent assist for Daniel James to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a superb cross along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan had the easy task of ending Welsh anxiety.