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Wales earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Jordan James notched his maiden international strike for the national team from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for the majority of the match. The scorer ran off in delight with his obvious relief mirrored by the large contingent of Wales fans occupying multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Soon afterwards, though, James was booked and another yellow for Ethan Ampadu means both midfielders are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with North Macedonia due to suspension.

The Wales' ground contest is a game Wales need to win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a more favourable position in the final round in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unfamiliar vantage point from the dugout, the Wales manager completing a touchline ban after receiving a second yellow card in the tournament last month.

The manager's deputy Piet Cremers stood in in the dugout and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the last group game. Two of them came unstuck in moments that may damage their team.

Their opponents, ranked among the lowest-ranked in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and conceded 23 times at an average of almost four per game.

Wales as expected dominated possession as their hosts adopted a low defensive block and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until the forward's pressing won possession and James saw his attempt from the 18-yard line parried by the goalkeeper.

A similar move worked the next opening, James picking out his teammate now with a accurate pass into space.

Broadhead’s superb first touch evaded the keeper but the forward could not convert from a difficult angle.

The Welsh team felt they taken the lead after the opening period when James directed a deep Sorba Thomas corner back into a packed goal area.

Büchel was harassed by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh elation were halted when the match official was instructed to the pitchside monitor and determined that a player of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break and Thomas delivered a cross to the opposite side which the winger hit the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the penalty box as it started to seem like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

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

Daniel James cut out Büchel with a excellent ball along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of ending Welsh nerves.