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Wales earned a narrow 1-0 success against international minnows Liechtenstein to sustain their chances of World Cup progress.

Wales' James scored his first international strike for Wales from close range after Liechtenstein’s mix of professionals, office workers and part-timers had defended for the majority of the match. James wheeled away in joy with his visible excitement shared by the three thousand Welsh fans packed into three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Shortly after, yet, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further late caution for Ethan Ampadu resulted in both midfielders are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

That Cardiff City Stadium contest is a game Wales need to win to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a more favourable draw in the final round in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the dugout, the Wales manager serving a technical area prohibition after being shown a additional booking in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s deputy Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from missing the concluding match. Both James and Ampadu received cautions in incidents that may damage Wales.

Liechtenstein, situated near the bottom in world football, had not scored in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an average of around four per fixture.

The visitors predictably controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his shot from the edge of the box saved by the goalkeeper.

That pairing worked the next opening, James finding Broadhead now with a accurate ball over the top.

Broadhead’s superb touch beat the keeper but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a narrow position.

Wales thought they had taken the lead after the first half when Jordan James nodded a lofted Thomas corner back into a congested penalty box.

Büchel was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were halted when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and ruled that at least one of the Wales central defenders was in an illegal position from Jordan's header.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the interval and Thomas delivered a ball to the far post which the winger rattled against the woodwork.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from inside the goal area as it appeared like a frustrating evening for Wales.

However, with the game having ticked into its 61st minute, Williams delivered a intelligent pass for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

Daniel James cut out Büchel with a delightful cross into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan James had the simple job of ending Wales' anxiety.