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Wales earned a tight 1-0 success against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Wales' James scored his debut international strike for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s mix of professionals, amateurs and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. James wheeled away in joy with his visible excitement mirrored by the three thousand Wales fans filling most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was booked and a further yellow for his midfield partner ensured the two players are unavailable for the upcoming decisive game with their next opponents due to accumulated bookings.

That home venue match is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a improved position in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an different vantage point from the stands, Bellamy serving a technical area prohibition after picking up a additional booking in the competition last month.

Bellamy’s number two his assistant assumed duties in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from missing the last group game. Both James and Ampadu were booked in situations that may damage Wales.

Liechtenstein, ranked near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their six qualifying defeats and let in 23 times at an rate of almost four per game.

Wales predictably had most of the play as Liechtenstein employed a low defensive block and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target was rarely tested until Broadhead chasing down won possession and James saw his shot from the penalty area saved by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, James picking out Broadhead now with a accurate ball over the top.

The attacker's superb touch evaded Büchel but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team believed they'd scored the opener after 26 minutes when Jordan James headed a deep Sorba Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch reached Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' celebrations were halted when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and determined that at least one of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the break and Sorba Thomas delivered a centering pass to the back post which James rattled against the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then headed wide from inside the penalty box as it appeared like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the match having reached its 61st minute, Neco Williams executed a intelligent through ball for Daniel James to run past the home defence.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a superb ball into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward task of easing Welsh nerves.