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Wales claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualifying.

Wales' James scored his maiden goal for Wales from near the goal after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, office workers and students had defended for over an hour. James celebrated in delight with his clear emotion mirrored by the large contingent of Wales fans packed into most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another late caution for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are suspended for Tuesday’s crucial match with their next opponents due to disciplinary issues.

That Wales' ground contest is a clash the Welsh team have to secure victory in to move above North Macedonia and secure a more favourable draw in the qualifying playoffs in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar view from the stands, the head coach completing a technical area prohibition after picking up a second yellow card in the competition last month.

Bellamy’s assistant Piet Cremers stood in in the dugout and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the concluding match. Both James and Ampadu were booked in moments that could really hurt their team.

Liechtenstein, ranked near the bottom in global rankings, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and conceded 23 times at an rate of nearly four per game.

The visitors unsurprisingly controlled the ball as Liechtenstein employed a low defensive block and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead chasing down forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the penalty area parried by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan locating Broadhead on this occasion with a precise pass over the top.

The attacker's excellent first touch took him past the keeper but the Wrexham striker could not convert from a tight angle.

Wales felt they taken the lead after the first half when Jordan James headed a lofted Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh joy were cut short when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and determined that a player of the Welsh defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's header.

Wales stepped up a gear after the half-time and Thomas delivered a cross to the far post which James rattled against the crossbar.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the goal area as it appeared like a frustrating evening for Wales.

Yet, with the contest having entered its 61st minute, Williams delivered a shrewd assist for his teammate to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James beat the goalkeeper with a excellent pass along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan James had the easy opportunity of relieving Welsh tension.