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The Welsh side claimed a hard-fought 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to maintain their chances of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James claimed his first international strike for the national team from near the goal after the home side's mix of full-time players, office workers and students had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in joy with his visible excitement shared by the three thousand Wales followers packed into multiple stands of the venue in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, James was booked and another late caution for his midfield partner resulted in both midfielders are suspended for the upcoming crunch tie with their next opponents through disciplinary issues.

The Cardiff City Stadium contest is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to leapfrog North Macedonia and secure a better position in the playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unusual vantage point from the stands, the head coach completing a sideline suspension after being shown a further caution in the competition last month.

Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers assumed duties in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the concluding match. A pair came unstuck in situations that could really hurt their team.

Liechtenstein, ranked among the lowest-ranked in international football, had not scored in their previous six losses and conceded twenty-three goals at an average of almost four per game.

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

The home goal was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead pressing won possession and James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

That pairing created another chance, Jordan finding Broadhead now with a accurate ball behind the defence.

Broadhead’s excellent first touch beat Büchel but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a narrow position.

Wales believed they'd scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James directed a high Sorba Thomas set-piece back into a congested six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh celebrations were cut short when the match official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that one or more of the Welsh central defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

Wales increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the opposite side which James rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then headed wide from inside the goal area as it appeared like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the game having reached its second half, Williams executed a intelligent assist for Daniel James to break behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a delightful cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the easy task of ending Welsh tension.