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Wales earned a tight 1-0 win against international minnows Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup finals qualification.

The young midfielder notched his first international strike for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s group of full-time players, amateurs and students had defended for over an hour. The scorer ran off in elation with his clear emotion echoed by the large contingent of Welsh followers packed into most sections of the stadium in Vaduz.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was booked and another yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are suspended for the upcoming decisive game with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

The home venue contest is a game the Welsh team need to win to move above their rivals and guarantee a improved draw in the final round in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an unfamiliar perspective from the dugout, the head coach undertaking a sideline suspension after being shown a second yellow card in the tournament last month.

The manager's assistant his assistant stood in in the dugout and multiple first-teamers – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from being absent for the concluding match. A pair received cautions in situations that may damage Wales.

Liechtenstein, situated among the lowest-ranked in world football, had not scored in their winless run and allowed 23 goals at an rate of around four per fixture.

The visitors as expected controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a deep defensive line and got bodies behind the ball.

Liechtenstein's net remained unthreatened until the forward's chasing down forced an error and James saw his shot from the 18-yard line saved by Benjamin Büchel.

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

Broadhead’s excellent first touch took him past Büchel but the attacker was unable to score from a narrow position.

Wales believed they'd taken the lead after the first half when Jordan James directed a lofted Sorba Thomas corner back into a crowded six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' elation were cut short when the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that at least one of the Wales central defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's header.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break and Sorba Thomas provided a cross to the back post which Daniel James rattled against the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then headed wide from inside the penalty box as it started to seem like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

Yet, with the match having entered its second half, Neco Williams executed a clever assist for his teammate to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

James bypassed Büchel with a superb cross into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward task of ending Wales' tension.