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Wales claimed a hard-fought 1-0 success against international minnows Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup qualifying.

Jordan James scored his first international strike for the national team from near the goal after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, office workers and part-timers had resisted for over an hour. James celebrated in delight with his visible excitement mirrored by the 3,000 Wales supporters packed into three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, James was cautioned and a further late caution for his midfield partner resulted in the two players are suspended for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia through suspension.

The Cardiff City Stadium match is a game Wales need to win to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a better position in the playoffs in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual view from the sidelines, the Wales manager serving a technical area prohibition after picking up a additional booking in the competition previously.

The manager's deputy Cremers stood in in the technical area and several key players – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the last group game. Two of them received cautions in moments that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, placed among the lowest-ranked in world football, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and allowed twenty-three times at an rate of almost four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly dominated possession as their hosts employed a deep defensive line and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until the forward's chasing down forced an error and Jordan James saw his attempt from the edge of the box parried by Benjamin Büchel.

That pairing worked the next opening, James picking out Broadhead now with a accurate pass behind the defence.

The attacker's fine first touch took him past Büchel but the forward was unable to score from a difficult angle.

The Welsh team believed they'd taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James directed a high Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh celebrations were curtailed when the official was instructed to the pitchside monitor and decided that at least one of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

The visitors raised the tempo after the interval and Sorba Thomas delivered a centering pass to the opposite side which the winger hit the frame of the goal.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it appeared like a difficult match for Wales.

However, with the game having ticked into its final half-hour, Williams played a intelligent pass for Daniel James to break behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a superb pass into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan had the simple job of easing Welsh anxiety.