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Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their chances of World Cup finals qualifying.

Wales' James notched his first international strike for Wales from close range after the home side's group of full-time players, office workers and students had defended for over an hour. James celebrated in elation with his obvious relief mirrored by the large contingent of Wales supporters occupying most sections of the stadium in the capital.

Shortly after, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further yellow for his midfield partner ensured both midfielders are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents due to accumulated bookings.

That home venue fixture is a game the Welsh team need to win to move above North Macedonia and guarantee a improved seeding in the playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar view from the dugout, the Wales manager undertaking a technical area prohibition after being shown a further caution in the competition previously.

The manager's assistant Cremers assumed duties in the dugout and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the final qualifier. A pair were booked in incidents that might hamper Wales.

Liechtenstein, ranked near the bottom in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and let in twenty-three goals at an average of around four per game.

The visitors unsurprisingly dominated possession as their hosts employed a low defensive block and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net saw little action until Broadhead high press won possession and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, James locating Broadhead now with a well-weighted ball behind the defence.

Broadhead’s fine control took him past Büchel but the attacker failed to finish from a difficult angle.

Wales believed they'd scored the opener after the opening period when James nodded a deep Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh elation were halted when the official was instructed to the video review system and decided that one or more of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from Jordan's header.

The visitors increased the pressure after the half-time and Thomas delivered a centering pass to the back post which the winger struck the crossbar.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the goal area as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for Wales.

However, with the match having reached its final half-hour, Williams delivered a intelligent assist for his teammate to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

James cut out the goalkeeper with a delightful pass into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan James had the easy task of relieving Welsh tension.