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The Welsh side claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their hopes of World Cup finals progress.

Wales' James notched his first international strike for the national team from near the goal after the home side's mix of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer wheeled away in joy with his visible excitement echoed by the large contingent of Welsh fans filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, though, James was booked and a further late caution for Ethan Ampadu ensured both midfielders are ruled out for Tuesday’s crucial match with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

The Cardiff City Stadium contest is a clash the Welsh team must win to overtake North Macedonia and guarantee a better seeding in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an different view from the sidelines, Bellamy completing a technical area prohibition after receiving a additional booking in the tournament last month.

The manager's number two Piet Cremers stood in in the technical area and several key players – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the final qualifier. Both James and Ampadu received cautions in incidents that may damage Wales.

Liechtenstein, placed near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their winless run and let in 23 times at an average of nearly four per fixture.

Wales as expected dominated possession as their hosts lay in a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until the forward's chasing down won possession and James saw his effort from the edge of the box pushed aside by Büchel.

The same combination worked the next opening, Jordan picking out Broadhead now with a precise delivery into space.

The attacker's fine touch evaded the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after the opening period when Jordan James headed a deep Sorba Thomas set-piece back into a crowded penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' celebrations were cut short when the referee was sent to the video review system and decided that at least one of the Welsh central defenders was in an offside position from James’s initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the half-time and Sorba Thomas sent in a cross to the opposite side which Daniel James struck the woodwork.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the penalty box as it began to look like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the match having entered its 61st minute, Neco Williams delivered a clever through ball for Daniel James to get in behind the home defence.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a excellent pass into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan had the straightforward opportunity of easing Wales' anxiety.