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Wales earned a tight 1-0 win over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup qualification.

Wales' James notched his debut international strike for the national team from close range after Liechtenstein’s group of full-time players, office workers and students had held out for the majority of the match. James celebrated in delight with his obvious relief mirrored by the large contingent of Welsh fans packed into multiple stands of the stadium in Vaduz.

Shortly after, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further late caution for his midfield partner means both midfielders are ruled out for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia due to suspension.

The home venue contest is a game the Welsh team must win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a more favourable position in the qualifying playoffs in next spring.

Bellamy had an unusual view from the sidelines, the head coach serving a sideline suspension after being shown a additional booking in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s number two his assistant assumed duties in the technical area and four of Wales’s starters – James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the concluding match. A pair received cautions in moments that may damage Wales.

Their opponents, placed near the bottom in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and conceded 23 times at an rate of almost four per game.

Wales predictably dominated possession as their hosts lay in a deep defensive line and packed their defence.

Their opponent's target saw little action until Broadhead high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the penalty area parried by the goalkeeper.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, James locating his teammate on this occasion with a accurate ball over the top.

The attacker's superb first touch beat the keeper but the forward could not convert from a narrow position.

Wales believed they'd taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James nodded a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a congested goal area.

Büchel was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were cut short when the official was sent to the pitchside monitor and determined that a player of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from James’s header.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the half-time and Thomas delivered a cross to the opposite side which the winger hit the crossbar.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from inside the goal area as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for Wales.

Yet, with the contest having entered its 61st minute, Neco Williams executed a intelligent pass for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a superb cross into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan James had the straightforward opportunity of ending Welsh anxiety.