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The Welsh side secured a hard-fought 1-0 success over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup qualifying.

Jordan James scored his first international strike for the national team from inside the box after the home side's group of professionals, office workers and students had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James ran off in joy with his visible excitement echoed by the 3,000 Welsh followers filling most sections of the stadium in the capital.

Shortly after, yet, James was cautioned and another yellow for his midfield partner means both midfielders are ruled out for the upcoming crunch tie with North Macedonia due to disciplinary issues.

The Wales' ground contest is a encounter Wales need to win to overtake North Macedonia and guarantee a improved draw in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the sidelines, Bellamy undertaking a technical area prohibition after being shown a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s number two Piet Cremers assumed duties in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the last group game. Both James and Ampadu received cautions in incidents that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, situated near the bottom in global rankings, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and conceded twenty-three times at an rate of around four per match.

The visitors unsurprisingly controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until the forward's pressing forced an error and James saw his shot from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James picking out his teammate this time with a precise pass behind the defence.

Broadhead’s excellent control evaded Büchel but the Wrexham striker could not convert from a difficult angle.

Wales thought they had scored the opener after the first half when James nodded a deep Thomas set-piece back into a crowded six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh joy were curtailed when the match official was sent to the pitchside monitor and decided that a player of the Welsh centre-halves was in an illegal position from James’s initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the break and Sorba Thomas provided a cross to the back post which Daniel James hit the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it began to look like one of those nights for Wales.

Yet, with the game having ticked into its 61st minute, Williams delivered a intelligent assist for his teammate to run past the home defence.

James beat the goalkeeper with a delightful pass along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan had the easy task of relieving Wales' tension.