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The Welsh side claimed a narrow 1-0 win over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their chances of World Cup qualification.

Jordan James scored his first international strike for the national team from close range after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for the majority of the match. James celebrated in elation with his visible excitement echoed by the large contingent of Welsh fans packed into multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, James was cautioned and a further booking for his midfield partner means both midfielders are ruled out for Tuesday’s crucial match with North Macedonia due to suspension.

The Cardiff City Stadium match is a encounter the Welsh team need to win to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a better position in the final round in March.

Craig Bellamy had an different vantage point from the sidelines, the Wales manager serving a touchline ban after receiving a further caution in the tournament last month.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers took his place in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from missing the last group game. A pair came unstuck in moments that could really hurt Wales.

The home side, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had not scored in their previous six losses and allowed twenty-three goals at an rate of around four per game.

The visitors predictably dominated possession as Liechtenstein lay in a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal remained unthreatened until the forward's pressing won possession and Jordan James saw his shot from the 18-yard line saved by Benjamin Büchel.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James finding Broadhead now with a precise delivery into space.

Broadhead’s excellent first touch evaded Büchel but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a difficult angle.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after 26 minutes when James directed a high Sorba Thomas set-piece back into a packed goal area.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were cut short when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and decided that a player of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the far post which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then missed with a header from within the penalty box as it began to look like one of those nights for Wales.

But, with the match having reached its second half, Williams executed a shrewd assist for his teammate to run past the home defence.

Daniel James beat the goalkeeper with a excellent ball across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward opportunity of ending Wales' nerves.