Wales' Jordan James scores the Welsh team to crucial World Cup win against Liechtenstein.

The Welsh side secured a tight 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to sustain their chances of World Cup finals qualifying.

The young midfielder claimed his debut international strike for Wales from close range after the home side's group of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had defended for over an hour. James ran off in joy with his visible excitement echoed by the three thousand Welsh fans filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, James was shown a yellow card and a further booking for his midfield partner means the two players are unavailable for the upcoming crucial match with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

That Wales' ground match is a game the Welsh team must win to leapfrog North Macedonia and secure a more favourable draw in the final round in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the sidelines, the Wales manager undertaking a touchline ban after receiving a second yellow card in the tournament earlier.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers assumed duties in the dugout and several key players – Jordan James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the final qualifier. Both James and Ampadu were booked in moments that could really hurt Wales.

Their opponents, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in world football, had been goalless in their winless run and allowed 23 times at an average of almost four per game.

The visitors predictably controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a compact shape and packed their defence.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead pressing caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan picking out his teammate this time with a precise pass into space.

The attacker's excellent touch took him past Büchel but the Wrexham striker could not convert from a narrow position.

The Welsh team felt they taken the lead after the opening period when Jordan James nodded a lofted Thomas corner back into a congested six-yard box.

Büchel was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' elation were curtailed when the match official was instructed to the video review system and ruled that one or more of the Welsh defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the half-time and Sorba Thomas provided a centering pass to the opposite side which James rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then missed with a header from inside the goal area as it began to look like a difficult match for Wales.

However, with the contest having reached its final half-hour, Williams played a clever assist for Daniel James to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James beat the goalkeeper with a superb cross into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan had the simple task of relieving Welsh anxiety.