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Wales claimed a narrow 1-0 win over international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their chances of World Cup progress.

The young midfielder notched his debut international strike for Wales from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for the majority of the match. James celebrated in joy with his obvious relief shared by the large contingent of Wales supporters occupying multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, though, Jordan James was cautioned and a further booking for his midfield partner resulted in the pair are suspended for the upcoming crucial match with North Macedonia due to disciplinary issues.

That Cardiff City Stadium fixture is a game the Welsh team must win to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a improved seeding in the final round in next spring.

The Wales manager had an different perspective from the stands, the Wales manager completing a sideline suspension after receiving a second yellow card in the competition last month.

The manager's assistant Cremers took his place in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the last group game. Both James and Ampadu were booked in situations that may damage their team.

Their opponents, situated among the lowest-ranked in international football, had been goalless in their winless run and conceded twenty-three goals at an rate of around four per match.

The visitors unsurprisingly had most of the play as their hosts employed a low defensive block and packed their defence.

The home goal remained unthreatened until Broadhead high press forced an error and James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan locating his teammate now with a well-weighted ball over the top.

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

Wales felt they broken the deadlock after the first half when Jordan James headed a lofted Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

Büchel was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' elation were cut short when the official was directed to the video review system and determined that at least one of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the half-time and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the far post which James hit the crossbar.

Williams then missed with a header from inside the penalty box as it began to look like one of those nights for Wales.

Yet, with the game having reached its 61st minute, Williams delivered a shrewd through ball for his teammate to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

James cut out the goalkeeper with a delightful ball across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan James had the easy task of relieving Wales' nerves.