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Wales earned a tight 1-0 win against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their chances of World Cup finals qualification.

The young midfielder claimed his maiden international strike for Wales from close range after Liechtenstein’s mix of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had resisted for over an hour. James celebrated in joy with his obvious relief echoed by the three thousand Wales fans occupying most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was booked and another booking for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are suspended for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

That home venue contest is a game the Welsh team have to secure victory in to move above North Macedonia and obtain a improved draw in the qualifying playoffs in next spring.

Bellamy had an different view from the dugout, the Wales manager completing a touchline ban after receiving a additional booking in the competition earlier.

Bellamy’s number two his assistant assumed duties in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from missing the final qualifier. A pair came unstuck in situations that could really hurt their team.

The home side, situated among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had been goalless in their previous six losses and conceded 23 goals at an rate of nearly four per match.

Wales predictably had most of the play as Liechtenstein adopted a compact shape and packed their defence.

The home goal saw little action until Nathan Broadhead pressing forced an error and James saw his shot from the edge of the box parried by Büchel.

A similar move worked the next opening, James finding his teammate on this occasion with a accurate delivery into space.

The attacker's fine touch took him past the keeper but the attacker was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after the opening period when Jordan James nodded a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' joy were halted when the match official was instructed to the VAR screen and determined that a player of the Wales centre-halves was in an illegal position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the half-time and Thomas provided a centering pass to the back post which Daniel James rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the penalty box as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

But, with the game having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams delivered a clever through ball for Daniel James to get in behind the home defence.

Daniel James cut out Büchel with a superb cross across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward job of relieving Welsh nerves.