🔗 Share this article

Wales earned a tight 1-0 win over international minnows Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualification.

The young midfielder notched his debut goal for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s mix of professionals, office workers and students had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer ran off in elation with his clear emotion echoed by the 3,000 Welsh supporters filling most sections of the venue in the capital.

Moments later, however, James was cautioned and another booking for his midfield partner ensured the pair are ruled out for Tuesday’s crucial match with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

That Cardiff City Stadium match is a game the Welsh team must win to overtake North Macedonia and secure a more favourable seeding in the playoffs in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unusual vantage point from the sidelines, Bellamy serving a touchline ban after being shown a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s deputy his assistant stood in in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the concluding match. Two of them came unstuck in moments that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, situated near the bottom in international football, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and allowed 23 goals at an rate of around four per match.

The visitors unsurprisingly dominated possession as Liechtenstein lay in a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target was rarely tested until Broadhead chasing down caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, Jordan picking out Broadhead now with a precise pass over the top.

The attacker's excellent touch evaded Büchel but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a narrow position.

Wales felt they scored the opener after 26 minutes when Jordan James directed a high Sorba Thomas corner back into a congested six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' elation were curtailed when the referee was sent to the VAR screen and determined that at least one of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas delivered a cross to the opposite side which Daniel James rattled against the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it appeared like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

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

James beat Büchel with a superb cross along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan James had the simple task of relieving Wales' nerves.