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The Welsh side claimed a narrow 1-0 success over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their hopes of World Cup finals progress.

Jordan James claimed his maiden goal for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for over an hour. James wheeled away in delight with his visible excitement echoed by the large contingent of Wales followers packed into most sections of the venue in Vaduz.

Shortly after, yet, Jordan James was booked and another booking for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are suspended for the upcoming crunch tie with North Macedonia due to disciplinary issues.

That home venue contest is a clash Wales must win to leapfrog their rivals and guarantee a improved position in the qualifying playoffs in March.

Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the sidelines, the Wales manager undertaking a sideline suspension after being shown a further caution in the competition previously.

Bellamy’s assistant Cremers stood in in the coaching zone and several key players – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the last group game. A pair were booked in situations that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, placed among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had failed to score in their previous six losses and allowed 23 times at an rate of almost four per game.

The visitors as expected had most of the play as their hosts employed a compact shape and packed their defence.

The home goal remained unthreatened until the forward's high press forced an error and James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, James picking out his teammate now with a well-weighted ball behind the defence.

The attacker's excellent control beat Büchel but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a tight angle.

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James nodded a high Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh joy were curtailed when the match official was instructed to the video review system and decided that one or more of the Wales central defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the interval and Sorba Thomas delivered a cross to the back post which James struck the frame of the goal.

Williams then missed with a header from within the penalty box as it began to look like a difficult match for Wales.

But, with the contest having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams executed a intelligent through ball for his teammate to get in behind the home defence.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a superb cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of relieving Wales' anxiety.