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Wales claimed a tight 1-0 victory over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup finals progress.

Jordan James claimed his maiden goal for the national team from inside the box after the home side's mix of full-time players, amateurs and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in delight with his visible excitement mirrored by the large contingent of Wales fans packed into three sides of the stadium in Vaduz.

Moments later, though, James was cautioned and another booking for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through accumulated bookings.

That home venue match is a clash Wales must win to move above their rivals and obtain a better seeding in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unusual perspective from the stands, Bellamy undertaking a touchline ban after being shown a additional booking in the competition earlier.

Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers stood in in the technical area and four of Wales’s starters – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the concluding match. Both James and Ampadu were booked in situations that could really hurt Wales.

Their opponents, situated near the bottom in international football, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and allowed twenty-three times at an average of almost four per fixture.

The visitors unsurprisingly had most of the play as their hosts employed a low defensive block and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Broadhead pressing caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his effort from the 18-yard line parried by the goalkeeper.

The same combination worked the next opening, Jordan locating Broadhead now with a precise ball into space.

The attacker's excellent first touch took him past the keeper but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a narrow position.

The Welsh team thought they had broken the deadlock after the first half when Jordan James headed a deep Thomas corner back into a packed goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' celebrations were cut short when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and ruled that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's header.

Wales increased the pressure after the half-time and Sorba Thomas sent in a cross to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the woodwork.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the penalty box as it began to look like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the game having entered its final half-hour, Williams delivered a intelligent pass for Daniel James to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

James cut out Büchel with a excellent ball across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan James had the easy job of easing Wales' anxiety.