🔗 Share this article

The Welsh side earned a tight 1-0 success against less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their chances of World Cup finals qualification.

The young midfielder claimed his maiden goal for Wales from near the goal after the home side's group of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for the majority of the match. James ran off in delight with his clear emotion shared by the large contingent of Welsh followers filling multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Soon afterwards, however, Jordan James was booked and another booking for his midfield partner means both midfielders are unavailable for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

That home venue contest is a clash the Welsh team must win to overtake North Macedonia and secure a improved draw in the playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar vantage point from the sidelines, Bellamy undertaking a technical area prohibition after being shown a additional booking in the qualifiers earlier.

Bellamy’s number two his assistant took his place in the dugout and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the final qualifier. A pair were booked in situations that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, ranked near the bottom in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and allowed 23 goals at an rate of around four per game.

Wales unsurprisingly dominated possession as Liechtenstein lay in a low defensive block and packed their defence.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Broadhead chasing down caused a mistake and James saw his attempt from the penalty area parried by the goalkeeper.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan finding Broadhead this time with a precise delivery into space.

The attacker's superb control evaded Büchel but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a tight angle.

Wales felt they scored the opener after the opening period when Jordan James directed a high Thomas set-piece back into a crowded penalty box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh elation were halted when the referee was directed to the video review system and determined that at least one of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the break and Thomas sent in a centering pass to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the goal area as it appeared like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

But, with the contest having entered its 61st minute, Williams played a clever assist for his teammate to run past the home defence.

James beat the goalkeeper with a delightful pass across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan James had the straightforward task of easing Welsh anxiety.