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Wales claimed a narrow 1-0 win over underdogs Liechtenstein to maintain their hopes of World Cup finals qualification.

Jordan James notched his maiden goal for Wales from near the goal after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in delight with his obvious relief echoed by the large contingent of Wales fans occupying three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, James was shown a yellow card and another booking for his midfield partner ensured both midfielders are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with North Macedonia due to suspension.

That home venue fixture is a game Wales must win to overtake their rivals and obtain a improved position in the qualifying playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unusual vantage point from the stands, the Wales manager serving a technical area prohibition after being shown a further caution in the tournament last month.

The manager's assistant Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the concluding match. Two of them came unstuck in moments that could really hurt their team.

The home side, placed near the bottom in international football, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an average of nearly four per fixture.

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

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Broadhead chasing down won possession and Jordan James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by Benjamin Büchel.

That pairing created another chance, Jordan locating Broadhead this time with a accurate ball into space.

The attacker's superb first touch took him past the keeper but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales felt they broken the deadlock after the opening period when James directed a deep Thomas set-piece back into a packed goal area.

Büchel was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his weak punch reached Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh elation were cut short when the official was sent to the video review system and determined that a player of the Welsh defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's header.

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

Williams then headed wide from inside the penalty box as it appeared like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

But, with the game having ticked into its 61st minute, Williams played a shrewd assist for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a excellent cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan James had the easy job of easing Welsh nerves.