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Wales claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup progress.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and students had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James celebrated in delight with his obvious relief mirrored by the 3,000 Wales followers occupying three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Shortly after, though, James was shown a yellow card and a further yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the pair are unavailable for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

The Wales' ground match is a clash Wales need to win to move above their rivals and obtain a better draw in the final round in March.

Bellamy had an unusual view from the sidelines, the Wales manager undertaking a sideline suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from missing the last group game. A pair received cautions in moments that might hamper their team.

Their opponents, situated among the lowest-ranked in world football, had been goalless in their winless run and allowed 23 times at an average of around four per match.

The visitors unsurprisingly controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a low defensive block and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until the forward's chasing down won possession and James saw his attempt from the penalty area pushed aside by Büchel.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, James locating Broadhead on this occasion with a precise delivery into space.

Broadhead’s superb touch evaded the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a tight angle.

The Welsh team felt they taken the lead after the first half when James nodded a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a congested six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh celebrations were halted when the official was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an illegal position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the half-time and Thomas sent in a ball to the back post which Daniel James hit the crossbar.

Williams then headed wide from within the goal area as it began to look like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

But, with the match having ticked into its 61st minute, Neco Williams executed a intelligent through ball for his teammate to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James cut out the goalkeeper with a superb cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan James had the simple opportunity of relieving Wales' tension.