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Wales secured a tight 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup progress.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for Wales from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had held out for over an hour. James ran off in elation with his obvious relief echoed by the three thousand Welsh followers occupying three sides of the stadium in the capital.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another late caution for Ethan Ampadu means both midfielders are ruled out for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia due to accumulated bookings.

The Wales' ground fixture is a clash Wales must win to move above their rivals and secure a improved position in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the stands, the head coach completing a sideline suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the competition last month.

Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the concluding match. A pair came unstuck in moments that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, placed among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an average of around four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly had most of the play as their hosts adopted a deep defensive line and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead chasing down forced an error and James saw his shot from the penalty area parried by Büchel.

The same combination created another chance, Jordan finding his teammate this time with a accurate delivery over the top.

Broadhead’s fine touch took him past Büchel but the Wrexham striker was unable to score from a narrow position.

The Welsh team believed they'd scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James directed a deep Thomas set-piece back into a crowded penalty box.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance fell to Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh elation were curtailed when the referee was instructed to the pitchside monitor and decided that at least one of the Wales central defenders was in an offside position from James’s initial touch.

The visitors raised the tempo after the break and Thomas provided a ball to the far post which Daniel James struck the frame of the goal.

Williams then directed his header off target from inside the penalty box as it started to seem like a frustrating evening for Wales.

Yet, with the game having reached its 61st minute, Neco Williams executed a shrewd pass for his teammate to run past the opposition backline.

James cut out Büchel with a excellent pass along the six-yard box, and his teammate Jordan James had the straightforward opportunity of ending Wales' anxiety.