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The Welsh side claimed a narrow 1-0 success against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup qualifying.

Jordan James scored his maiden international strike for Wales from close range after the home side's mix of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had resisted for over an hour. James wheeled away in elation with his clear emotion echoed by the 3,000 Wales supporters packed into most sections of the stadium in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another yellow for his midfield partner resulted in the two players are ruled out for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

The Cardiff City Stadium contest is a game Wales need to win to move above North Macedonia and guarantee a more favourable draw in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the sidelines, the head coach completing a sideline suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the tournament earlier.

Bellamy’s assistant Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the last group game. Both James and Ampadu were booked in incidents that could really hurt Wales.

The home side, placed 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had been goalless in their six qualifying defeats and allowed twenty-three goals at an rate of almost four per game.

The visitors predictably had most of the play as Liechtenstein lay in a deep defensive line and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal was rarely tested until the forward's high press caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the 18-yard line saved by the goalkeeper.

The same combination worked the next opening, Jordan locating his teammate this time with a precise delivery over the top.

The attacker's superb touch evaded the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a narrow position.

Wales believed they'd broken the deadlock after the first half when James nodded a deep Sorba Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt fell to Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were halted when the match official was sent to the pitchside monitor and ruled that one or more of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas sent in a ball to the far post which James rattled against the crossbar.

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

However, with the match having entered its final half-hour, Neco Williams executed a clever assist for Daniel James to get in behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a delightful cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the simple task of relieving Welsh tension.