🔗 Share this article

The Welsh side claimed a narrow 1-0 success over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup finals progress.

The young midfielder claimed his first goal for the national team from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had defended for more than 60 minutes. The scorer celebrated in delight with his clear emotion echoed by the large contingent of Wales followers filling multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and another booking for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are unavailable for the upcoming crucial match with their next opponents through disciplinary issues.

The Cardiff City Stadium contest is a game the Welsh team must win to leapfrog their rivals and obtain a improved draw in the playoffs in next spring.

The Wales manager had an unusual vantage point from the stands, the Wales manager completing a touchline ban after being shown a second yellow card in the competition earlier.

Bellamy’s deputy his assistant stood in in the dugout and several key players – James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from missing the last group game. Two of them came unstuck in moments that may damage their team.

Liechtenstein, ranked near the bottom in international football, had not scored in their winless run and let in twenty-three times at an rate of nearly four per match.

Wales unsurprisingly had most of the play as their hosts adopted a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

Their opponent's target remained unthreatened until Broadhead chasing down forced an error and Jordan James saw his attempt from the penalty area saved by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan picking out his teammate on this occasion with a accurate delivery over the top.

The attacker's fine first touch beat the keeper but the attacker failed to finish from a tight angle.

Wales thought they had broken the deadlock after the opening period when Jordan James headed a lofted Sorba Thomas set-piece back into a packed penalty box.

Büchel was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh celebrations were curtailed when the referee was sent to the VAR screen and determined that at least one of the Welsh centre-halves was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas provided a centering pass to the opposite side which the winger rattled against the woodwork.

Neco Williams then headed wide from within the six-yard box as it appeared like a frustrating evening for the Welsh side.

But, with the match having entered its 61st minute, Neco Williams delivered a intelligent through ball for his teammate to break behind the home defence.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a superb pass across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan had the simple opportunity of easing Welsh anxiety.