🔗 Share this article

Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against international minnows Liechtenstein to sustain their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for Wales from near the goal after Liechtenstein’s mix of professionals, amateurs and students had held out for the majority of the match. James wheeled away in delight with his visible excitement mirrored by the large contingent of Welsh followers packed into most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was booked and another yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are unavailable for Tuesday’s crucial match with North Macedonia due to suspension.

That Cardiff City Stadium match is a clash the Welsh team must win to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a improved draw in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar vantage point from the dugout, Bellamy completing a touchline ban after being shown a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s number two Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the last group game. Both James and Ampadu were booked in incidents that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in international football, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and allowed twenty-three goals at an average of almost four per match.

Wales predictably had most of the play as Liechtenstein lay in a deep defensive line and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead pressing forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the 18-yard line saved by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, James picking out his teammate this time with a accurate pass behind the defence.

Broadhead’s excellent control took him past Büchel but the forward failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales thought they had scored the opener after the opening period when James nodded a high Thomas corner back into a congested goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his weak punch fell to Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh elation were curtailed when the match official was directed to the VAR screen and determined that at least one of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the half-time and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the frame of the goal.

Williams then directed his header off target from inside the goal area as it began to look like one of those nights for Wales.

However, with the contest having entered its 61st minute, Williams played a shrewd through ball for his teammate to break behind the opposition backline.

James cut out Büchel with a superb cross across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan James had the simple task of easing Welsh nerves.