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The Welsh side secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup qualifying.

Jordan James scored his maiden international strike for Wales from inside the box after the home side's group of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had defended for more than 60 minutes. James ran off in joy with his visible excitement mirrored by the large contingent of Welsh supporters packed into multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, though, James was shown a yellow card and a further booking for Ethan Ampadu ensured both midfielders are unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents due to accumulated bookings.

That Wales' ground contest is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to leapfrog their rivals and guarantee a improved draw in the final round in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an different vantage point from the dugout, Bellamy completing a sideline suspension after receiving a further caution in the competition previously.

Bellamy’s number two his assistant assumed duties in the technical area and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from missing the final qualifier. A pair were booked in situations that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, placed near the bottom in global rankings, had been goalless in their six qualifying defeats and let in 23 times at an rate of nearly four per game.

The visitors as expected controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

The home goal saw little action until Nathan Broadhead pressing caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line saved by Büchel.

The same combination worked the next opening, Jordan picking out Broadhead this time with a accurate ball into space.

Broadhead’s fine first touch took him past Büchel but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a tight angle.

Wales believed they'd scored the opener after the opening period when Jordan James directed a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a crowded penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were halted when the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor and determined that a player of the Wales defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas sent in a ball to the far post which James struck the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the penalty box as it appeared like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

However, with the contest having entered its final half-hour, Williams delivered a intelligent through ball for Daniel James to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James beat the goalkeeper with a excellent cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan James had the simple opportunity of relieving Welsh tension.