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Wales earned a narrow 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup finals qualification.

The young midfielder claimed his maiden goal for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James celebrated in joy with his visible excitement echoed by the three thousand Welsh followers occupying three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was booked and a further yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are suspended for Tuesday’s crucial match with their next opponents through accumulated bookings.

That Wales' ground contest is a clash the Welsh team must win to leapfrog their rivals and guarantee a more favourable draw in the playoffs in next spring.

Bellamy had an unusual perspective from the stands, the Wales manager undertaking a sideline suspension after being shown a second yellow card in the tournament earlier.

Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and several key players – Jordan James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were a booking away from missing the concluding match. A pair were booked in moments that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, placed among the lowest-ranked in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an average of nearly four per game.

Wales unsurprisingly controlled the ball as their hosts adopted a deep defensive line and defended in numbers.

Liechtenstein's net was rarely tested until the forward's pressing won possession and Jordan James saw his effort from the penalty area saved by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, Jordan picking out Broadhead on this occasion with a accurate pass over the top.

The attacker's fine control evaded Büchel but the forward was unable to score from a tight angle.

Wales felt they taken the lead after the opening period when Jordan James directed a lofted Sorba Thomas corner back into a congested six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' joy were curtailed when the match official was directed to the VAR screen and determined that one or more of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from Jordan's header.

Wales increased the pressure after the interval and Sorba Thomas provided a ball to the far post which James rattled against the crossbar.

Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it started to seem like one of those nights for Wales.

Yet, with the match having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams executed a shrewd through ball for his teammate to break behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a excellent pass into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan James had the straightforward opportunity of relieving Welsh nerves.