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The Welsh side claimed a tight 1-0 win over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup finals progress.

Wales' James scored his debut goal for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of professionals, amateurs and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. James ran off in delight with his obvious relief mirrored by the large contingent of Wales followers occupying multiple stands of the stadium in Vaduz.

Shortly after, however, James was cautioned and a further booking for Ethan Ampadu resulted in the pair are ruled out for the upcoming crucial match with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

The home venue contest is a game the Welsh team need to win to leapfrog their rivals and guarantee a improved position in the playoffs in next spring.

Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the dugout, Bellamy serving a technical area prohibition after being shown a additional booking in the competition previously.

The manager's assistant Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the concluding match. A pair received cautions in situations that could really hurt Wales.

The home side, situated among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and conceded 23 goals at an rate of nearly four per game.

Wales predictably dominated possession as their hosts lay in a low defensive block and packed their defence.

The home goal was rarely tested until Broadhead high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his shot from the penalty area parried by the goalkeeper.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, James picking out his teammate this time with a precise pass over the top.

The attacker's superb touch evaded the keeper but the forward was unable to score from a tight angle.

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

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt fell to Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were halted when the match official was instructed to the pitchside monitor and ruled that at least one of the Welsh centre-halves was in an offside from James’s header.

The visitors raised the tempo after the interval and Sorba Thomas sent in a ball to the back post which James rattled against the crossbar.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the six-yard box as it appeared like a frustrating evening for Wales.

Yet, with the contest having ticked into its final half-hour, Williams delivered a clever through ball for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

James cut out the goalkeeper with a excellent pass into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the easy job of easing Welsh tension.