🔗 Share this article

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

The young midfielder notched his debut goal for the national team from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had held out for over an hour. James celebrated in elation with his obvious relief mirrored by the 3,000 Wales supporters packed into three sides of the venue in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, Jordan James was cautioned and another yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the pair are ruled out for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

That Wales' ground fixture is a clash Wales must win to overtake North Macedonia and secure a improved draw in the final round in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an different vantage point from the stands, the Wales manager serving a technical area prohibition after being shown a further caution in the qualifiers last month.

The manager's assistant Piet Cremers took his place in the dugout and four of Wales’s starters – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the final qualifier. A pair came unstuck in incidents that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, placed 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and conceded 23 times at an rate of around four per fixture.

Wales predictably dominated possession as their hosts lay in a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net remained unthreatened until Broadhead high press won possession and James saw his shot from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James locating Broadhead on this occasion with a well-weighted delivery behind the defence.

Broadhead’s fine control took him past Büchel but the forward could not convert from a narrow position.

Wales believed they'd taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James nodded a high Thomas set-piece back into a crowded penalty box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh joy were cut short when the official was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that one or more of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

The visitors raised the tempo after the interval and Thomas provided a ball to the back post which the winger hit the woodwork.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from inside the goal area as it began to look like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

However, with the contest having reached its 61st minute, Neco Williams played a shrewd through ball for his teammate to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James cut out Büchel with a delightful ball into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan James had the simple opportunity of easing Welsh nerves.