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Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 success over international minnows Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualifying.

Jordan James scored his debut goal for the national team from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for over an hour. The scorer ran off in elation with his clear emotion echoed by the 3,000 Wales supporters packed into multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another booking for Ethan Ampadu resulted in the two players are unavailable for Tuesday’s crucial match with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

That Cardiff City Stadium fixture is a clash the Welsh team have to secure victory in to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a better position in the playoffs in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the dugout, the head coach completing a touchline ban after receiving a further caution in the tournament last month.

Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers stood in in the dugout and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from sitting out the last group game. Two of them came unstuck in situations that might hamper Wales.

Their opponents, ranked near the bottom in global rankings, had been goalless in their six qualifying defeats and let in twenty-three times at an rate of almost four per fixture.

Wales as expected dominated possession as their hosts adopted a compact shape and defended in numbers.

Liechtenstein's net remained unthreatened until the forward's pressing won possession and James saw his effort from the edge of the box parried by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, James locating Broadhead this time with a well-weighted ball over the top.

The attacker's fine touch evaded the keeper but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a difficult angle.

Wales believed they'd broken the deadlock after the opening period when Jordan James nodded a deep Thomas corner back into a crowded six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh celebrations were curtailed when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that at least one of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the interval and Thomas delivered a cross to the far post which James struck the crossbar.

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

However, with the game having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams played a intelligent through ball for his teammate to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a superb cross across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan had the simple task of easing Wales' anxiety.