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Wales claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup qualification.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for Wales from close range after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for the majority of the match. James celebrated in elation with his clear emotion shared by the 3,000 Wales followers packed into multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Soon afterwards, however, James was cautioned and another yellow for his midfield partner ensured the pair are suspended for the upcoming crunch tie with their next opponents due to suspension.

That home venue fixture is a clash Wales must win to overtake North Macedonia and secure a improved seeding in the final round in March.

Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the sidelines, the head coach completing a sideline suspension after being shown a further caution in the competition earlier.

The manager's number two Piet Cremers took his place in the technical area and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from missing the final qualifier. A pair were booked in situations that could really hurt Wales.

The home side, ranked among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had not scored in their winless run and conceded 23 goals at an average of nearly four per fixture.

The visitors predictably dominated possession as their hosts employed a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until the forward's chasing down caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by Büchel.

That pairing worked the next opening, James locating Broadhead now with a accurate pass behind the defence.

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

The Welsh team thought they had taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James headed a high Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt fell to Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh joy were cut short when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that at least one of the Wales defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

Wales stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas delivered a ball to the far post which James rattled against the frame of the goal.

Williams then headed wide from within the six-yard box as it appeared like a difficult match for Wales.

However, with the match having entered its second half, Neco Williams delivered a shrewd through ball for his teammate to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James beat the goalkeeper with a delightful pass into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan had the easy task of easing Welsh nerves.