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The Welsh side earned a hard-fought 1-0 success over underdogs Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup qualification.

The young midfielder notched his first goal for Wales from near the goal after the home side's mix of professionals, office workers and part-timers had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James celebrated in delight with his obvious relief mirrored by the large contingent of Welsh fans packed into most sections of the stadium in the capital.

Soon afterwards, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further late caution for his midfield partner ensured both midfielders are ruled out for the upcoming crucial match with North Macedonia through accumulated bookings.

That Cardiff City Stadium match is a game the Welsh team must win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a improved seeding in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unusual view from the sidelines, Bellamy undertaking a technical area prohibition after picking up a additional booking in the qualifiers last month.

The manager's number two Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the last group game. Two of them came unstuck in situations that may damage Wales.

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

The visitors predictably dominated possession as their hosts adopted a deep defensive line and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead high press forced an error and James saw his shot from the 18-yard line pushed aside by Büchel.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James locating Broadhead on this occasion with a accurate pass over the top.

Broadhead’s fine touch beat the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a narrow position.

The Welsh team believed they'd broken the deadlock after the first half when James nodded a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a congested penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt fell to Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' celebrations were cut short when the referee was instructed to the video review system and ruled that one or more of the Welsh centre-halves was in an illegal position from James’s initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the half-time and Sorba Thomas sent in a centering pass to the far post which the winger struck the frame of the goal.

Williams then headed wide from within the penalty box as it began to look like a frustrating evening for Wales.

But, with the game having ticked into its second half, Williams delivered a shrewd pass for his teammate to break behind the home defence.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a delightful ball along the six-yard box, and his namesake Jordan James had the easy opportunity of ending Welsh nerves.