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The Welsh side secured a tight 1-0 success over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup progress.

Wales' James scored his debut international strike for the national team from near the goal after Liechtenstein’s group of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had held out for the majority of the match. The scorer celebrated in delight with his obvious relief echoed by the large contingent of Welsh fans packed into three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was booked and another booking for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are suspended for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia due to suspension.

The home venue contest is a game Wales must win to move above their rivals and obtain a improved draw in the qualifying playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unusual perspective from the dugout, the Wales manager undertaking a sideline suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

The manager's assistant Piet Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the concluding match. Both James and Ampadu came unstuck in moments that may damage Wales.

Their opponents, placed among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in twenty-three goals at an average of almost four per game.

Wales unsurprisingly controlled the ball as their hosts lay in a low defensive block and packed their defence.

The home goal was rarely tested until the forward's high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his shot from the penalty area saved by the goalkeeper.

That pairing created another chance, Jordan locating Broadhead now with a well-weighted delivery into space.

The attacker's excellent control took him past the keeper but the attacker failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales felt they scored the opener after the opening period when James directed a lofted Thomas corner back into a crowded penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' celebrations were cut short when the referee was instructed to the video review system and decided that a player of the Wales centre-halves was in an illegal position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the break and Thomas sent in a cross to the far post which the winger hit the frame of the goal.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the penalty box as it appeared like one of those nights for Wales.

However, with the contest having entered its final half-hour, Williams played a shrewd pass for his teammate to get in behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James cut out the goalkeeper with a superb ball into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan James had the straightforward job of easing Welsh tension.