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The Welsh side secured a tight 1-0 victory against underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup finals progress.

Wales' James claimed his maiden goal for the national team from near the goal after Liechtenstein’s mix of full-time players, amateurs and students had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James wheeled away in elation with his obvious relief echoed by the three thousand Wales fans occupying most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, James was booked and a further yellow for his midfield partner ensured the two players are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

The home venue match is a clash Wales have to secure victory in to overtake North Macedonia and guarantee a better draw in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unusual vantage point from the sidelines, Bellamy completing a technical area prohibition after receiving a further caution in the competition previously.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – Jordan James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from sitting out the final qualifier. Both James and Ampadu were booked in situations that might hamper their team.

The home side, placed near the bottom in global rankings, had failed to score in their winless run and allowed 23 goals at an average of around four per match.

The visitors as expected controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net remained unthreatened until Broadhead high press won possession and James saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by the goalkeeper.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan locating his teammate on this occasion with a precise delivery into space.

The attacker's superb first touch beat the keeper but the forward was unable to score from a narrow position.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after the opening period when Jordan James directed a high Sorba Thomas corner back into a congested penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' celebrations were halted when the match official was sent to the video review system and ruled that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas delivered a centering pass to the opposite side which Daniel James struck the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the six-yard box as it appeared like one of those nights for Wales.

Yet, with the match having ticked into its second half, Neco Williams delivered a clever through ball for Daniel James to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

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