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The Welsh side earned a tight 1-0 win over international minnows Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualifying.

Wales' James notched his maiden goal for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had resisted for the majority of the match. The scorer celebrated in elation with his visible excitement echoed by the 3,000 Wales followers packed into most sections of the stadium in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, James was booked and a further yellow for his midfield partner ensured the two players are unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents due to suspension.

The home venue fixture is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a improved position in the final round in next spring.

Bellamy had an different view from the sidelines, Bellamy serving a touchline ban after receiving a second yellow card in the tournament last month.

The manager's number two Piet Cremers took his place in the dugout and several key players – James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the last group game. Both James and Ampadu came unstuck in incidents that might hamper their team.

Their opponents, placed among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had not scored in their previous six losses and conceded 23 times at an rate of around four per fixture.

The visitors unsurprisingly controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a low defensive block and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Broadhead pressing caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the edge of the box parried by Benjamin Büchel.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan picking out his teammate this time with a well-weighted delivery over the top.

Broadhead’s excellent touch took him past Büchel but the Wrexham striker could not convert from a tight angle.

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after the first half when James nodded a deep Thomas set-piece back into a congested penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' elation were halted when the official was directed to the VAR screen and ruled that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an illegal position from James’s initial touch.

The visitors raised the tempo after the half-time and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the back post which James rattled against the crossbar.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the six-yard box as it began to look like a frustrating evening for Wales.

But, with the match having ticked into its 61st minute, Neco Williams delivered a shrewd through ball for Daniel James to break behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed Büchel with a excellent cross across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan James had the easy opportunity of relieving Welsh tension.