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Wales claimed a narrow 1-0 win against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James claimed his first international strike for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer wheeled away in delight with his obvious relief shared by the large contingent of Wales fans packed into multiple stands of the venue in the capital.

Shortly after, however, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another booking for his midfield partner ensured the two players are unavailable for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

The Wales' ground contest is a game the Welsh team must win to overtake North Macedonia and guarantee a improved position in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the dugout, the head coach completing a touchline ban after being shown a further caution in the competition earlier.

The manager's deputy his assistant assumed duties in the dugout and four of Wales’s starters – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from sitting out the last group game. Both James and Ampadu were booked in situations that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, placed near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in 23 goals at an rate of around four per fixture.

The visitors predictably dominated possession as their hosts lay in a deep defensive line and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the edge of the box parried by the goalkeeper.

The same combination worked the next opening, James finding Broadhead on this occasion with a accurate pass into space.

Broadhead’s excellent control took him past Büchel but the forward could not convert from a tight angle.

Wales felt they scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James directed a high Thomas set-piece back into a packed six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch reached Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were halted when the match official was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that a player of the Welsh centre-halves was in an illegal position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the interval and Thomas delivered a cross to the back post which the winger rattled against the woodwork.

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

But, with the game having entered its 61st minute, Williams played a clever pass for his teammate to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James cut out the goalkeeper with a excellent ball across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of easing Welsh anxiety.