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The Welsh side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup finals progress.

Wales' James claimed his debut goal for Wales from close range after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in delight with his visible excitement mirrored by the 3,000 Wales followers packed into multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was cautioned and another yellow for his midfield partner ensured the two players are suspended for the upcoming decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

That home venue match is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to move above their rivals and secure a more favourable draw in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual view from the dugout, the Wales manager completing a technical area prohibition after picking up a additional booking in the tournament earlier.

Bellamy’s assistant Piet Cremers stood in in the coaching zone and four of Wales’s starters – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the concluding match. Two of them received cautions in situations that could really hurt Wales.

Their opponents, situated 206 out of 210 teams in world football, had failed to score in their winless run and let in twenty-three goals at an average of nearly four per match.

Wales as expected had most of the play as their hosts employed a compact shape and packed their defence.

Their opponent's target saw little action until Broadhead chasing down caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his attempt from the penalty area pushed aside by Benjamin Büchel.

That pairing worked the next opening, James locating his teammate this time with a precise delivery behind the defence.

Broadhead’s excellent control evaded the keeper but the attacker failed to finish from a difficult angle.

The Welsh team thought they had broken the deadlock after 26 minutes when James nodded a high Sorba Thomas corner back into a congested six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh joy were halted when the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor and decided that at least one of the Welsh central defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the half-time and Sorba Thomas sent in a centering pass to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the six-yard box as it began to look like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

But, with the game having entered its second half, Williams played a clever through ball for his teammate to get in behind the home defence.

Daniel James beat the goalkeeper with a excellent cross along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan had the easy opportunity of relieving Welsh nerves.