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The Welsh side secured a tight 1-0 victory over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their hopes of World Cup finals qualification.

Wales' James notched his first international strike for Wales from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and students had held out for over an hour. The scorer celebrated in elation with his visible excitement shared by the three thousand Welsh followers packed into most sections of the stadium in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, James was cautioned and a further booking for Ethan Ampadu ensured the pair are ruled out for the upcoming crucial match with their next opponents due to accumulated bookings.

The home venue fixture is a clash Wales must win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a better seeding in the playoffs in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual view from the stands, the head coach completing a technical area prohibition after picking up a second yellow card in the tournament earlier.

The manager's assistant his assistant assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the concluding match. A pair received cautions in situations that could really hurt Wales.

Their opponents, situated near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their winless run and allowed twenty-three times at an average of almost four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly dominated possession as their hosts lay in a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal was rarely tested until the forward's high press won possession and James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan picking out Broadhead now with a well-weighted ball into space.

The attacker's superb first touch took him past the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a narrow position.

Wales felt they scored the opener after the opening period when Jordan James nodded a deep Thomas set-piece back into a crowded six-yard box.

Büchel was flustered by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' elation were curtailed when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and determined that a player of the Wales central defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas sent in a cross to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then headed wide from inside the six-yard box as it began to look like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the contest having reached its 61st minute, Williams played a clever pass for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a delightful cross along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the easy job of relieving Wales' nerves.