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Wales claimed a tight 1-0 victory over international minnows Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup qualification.

The young midfielder claimed his first international strike for the national team from close range after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had held out for more than 60 minutes. The scorer ran off in delight with his obvious relief shared by the three thousand Wales supporters filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Moments later, though, Jordan James was cautioned and another yellow for his midfield partner means both midfielders are unavailable for the upcoming decisive game with their next opponents due to disciplinary issues.

That Wales' ground contest is a game Wales have to secure victory in to leapfrog North Macedonia and guarantee a more favourable seeding in the playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an different view from the stands, the Wales manager completing a sideline suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

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

Their opponents, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in international football, had been goalless in their six qualifying defeats and allowed twenty-three goals at an rate of nearly four per match.

Wales predictably had most of the play as Liechtenstein lay in a compact shape and defended in numbers.

The home goal was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead pressing won possession and James saw his effort from the edge of the box parried by Büchel.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, Jordan finding his teammate on this occasion with a well-weighted pass over the top.

The attacker's excellent touch evaded the keeper but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James nodded a high Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was harassed by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt fell to Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh celebrations were cut short when the official was instructed to the pitchside monitor and determined that at least one of the Welsh centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors raised the tempo after the break and Thomas sent in a centering pass to the back post which James rattled against the crossbar.

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

Yet, with the contest having entered its second half, Neco Williams delivered a intelligent through ball for Daniel James to break behind the home defence.

James cut out Büchel with a superb ball into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the easy task of easing Welsh anxiety.