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The Welsh side claimed a tight 1-0 victory against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualifying.

Wales' James notched his first goal for Wales from close range after Liechtenstein’s mix of professionals, office workers and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in elation with his visible excitement mirrored by the 3,000 Wales followers occupying most sections of the stadium in the capital.

Soon afterwards, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further booking for his midfield partner ensured the pair are ruled out for Tuesday’s decisive game with North Macedonia due to accumulated bookings.

The Cardiff City Stadium fixture is a encounter Wales need to win to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a improved draw in the qualifying playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an different view from the dugout, the Wales manager undertaking a technical area prohibition after picking up a additional booking in the tournament last month.

Bellamy’s number two Cremers took his place in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from missing the final qualifier. A pair received cautions in moments that might hamper Wales.

The home side, ranked among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and allowed 23 times at an average of nearly four per fixture.

The visitors unsurprisingly controlled the ball as Liechtenstein employed a compact shape and packed their defence.

The home goal remained unthreatened until the forward's chasing down caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

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

Broadhead’s fine touch took him past Büchel but the attacker was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team believed they'd scored the opener after the opening period when Jordan James headed a deep Thomas set-piece back into a crowded six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' joy were cut short when the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor and decided that one or more of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

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

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it started to seem like a difficult match for Wales.

But, with the contest having entered its final half-hour, Neco Williams played a intelligent pass for Daniel James to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James bypassed the goalkeeper with a delightful cross into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward opportunity of easing Welsh tension.