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The Welsh side secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their hopes of World Cup finals qualifying.

Wales' James notched his maiden goal for Wales from near the goal after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and students had defended for the majority of the match. The scorer ran off in joy with his clear emotion shared by the large contingent of Welsh fans occupying most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Soon afterwards, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further yellow for his midfield partner resulted in the pair are unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents due to disciplinary issues.

The Wales' ground fixture is a game the Welsh team must win to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a better draw in the final round in March.

Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the dugout, the head coach completing a touchline ban after picking up a additional booking in the tournament previously.

The manager's deputy his assistant assumed duties in the technical area and four of Wales’s starters – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from missing the concluding match. A pair received cautions in situations that may damage Wales.

Liechtenstein, ranked among the lowest-ranked in world football, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and allowed 23 goals at an average of around four per match.

Wales as expected dominated possession as their hosts adopted a low defensive block and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Broadhead high press caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the penalty area pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

The same combination worked the next opening, James picking out his teammate now with a well-weighted pass behind the defence.

Broadhead’s excellent control evaded Büchel but the forward was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team thought they had taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James headed a lofted Thomas corner back into a packed penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' joy were halted when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and ruled that one or more of the Wales defenders was in an offside position from James’s header.

The visitors raised the tempo after the half-time and Thomas sent in a cross to the back post which Daniel James rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the six-yard box as it started to seem like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

But, with the match having ticked into its 61st minute, Williams played a clever pass for his teammate to get in behind the opposition backline.

James bypassed Büchel with a excellent cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the straightforward job of easing Wales' nerves.