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Wales earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over underdogs Liechtenstein to sustain their chances of World Cup finals progress.

Wales' James claimed his debut goal for Wales from close range after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, office workers and students had held out for over an hour. The scorer celebrated in elation with his clear emotion mirrored by the 3,000 Welsh followers filling most sections of the venue in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, James was cautioned and another late caution for his midfield partner ensured both midfielders are unavailable for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia due to suspension.

That Cardiff City Stadium fixture is a clash the Welsh team must win to move above their rivals and obtain a more favourable position in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar view from the stands, Bellamy completing a touchline ban after receiving a additional booking in the tournament last month.

The manager's deputy Cremers took his place in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the final qualifier. A pair received cautions in incidents that might hamper Wales.

The home side, placed 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in twenty-three goals at an rate of around four per match.

Wales predictably controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

The home goal saw little action until Broadhead pressing won possession and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line saved by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, Jordan picking out his teammate now with a accurate delivery over the top.

The attacker's excellent control took him past Büchel but the attacker could not convert from a tight angle.

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James directed a high Thomas set-piece back into a congested goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch fell to Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' celebrations were halted when the match official was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that a player of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from James’s initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the half-time and Thomas delivered a cross to the opposite side which Daniel James hit the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it began to look like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the game having ticked into its final half-hour, Neco Williams executed a intelligent assist for Daniel James to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James cut out Büchel with a delightful cross across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward opportunity of ending Welsh nerves.