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The Welsh side secured a narrow 1-0 victory against international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James notched his first goal for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of full-time players, amateurs and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. The scorer ran off in delight with his visible excitement mirrored by the large contingent of Wales supporters packed into multiple stands of the stadium in the capital.

Soon afterwards, however, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further booking for his midfield partner ensured both midfielders are unavailable for the upcoming crunch tie with North Macedonia due to disciplinary issues.

That Cardiff City Stadium contest is a encounter the Welsh team have to secure victory in to overtake North Macedonia and secure a improved draw in the playoffs in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar perspective from the dugout, the Wales manager undertaking a technical area prohibition after receiving a further caution in the tournament last month.

Bellamy’s deputy his assistant took his place in the coaching zone and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the last group game. Two of them came unstuck in situations that might hamper Wales.

The home side, ranked among the lowest-ranked in international football, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and let in twenty-three goals at an average of around four per fixture.

Wales predictably controlled the ball as Liechtenstein employed a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target saw little action until the forward's high press won possession and James saw his shot from the penalty area pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan picking out Broadhead now with a well-weighted ball over the top.

The attacker's fine control took him past the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a difficult angle.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after the first half when Jordan James nodded a deep Thomas set-piece back into a packed six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance fell to Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were cut short when the official was sent to the VAR screen and ruled that a player of the Wales central defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales stepped up a gear after the break and Thomas sent in a cross to the far post which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for Wales.

However, with the contest having reached its final half-hour, Williams executed a clever pass for his teammate to break behind the home defence.

Daniel James cut out the goalkeeper with a delightful cross across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan James had the straightforward task of easing Wales' tension.