Wales' Jordan James fires Wales to important World Cup victory versus the Liechtenstein national team.

Wales secured a narrow 1-0 win against underdogs Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup finals progress.

Jordan James scored his debut international strike for Wales from near the goal after the home side's mix of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had held out for the majority of the match. The scorer wheeled away in delight with his visible excitement echoed by the 3,000 Welsh fans filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, however, James was cautioned and a further late caution for Ethan Ampadu means the pair are ruled out for Tuesday’s crucial match with their next opponents due to suspension.

That Cardiff City Stadium fixture is a encounter Wales have to secure victory in to overtake their rivals and guarantee a improved draw in the qualifying playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar vantage point from the stands, the Wales manager undertaking a sideline suspension after receiving a additional booking in the tournament last month.

The manager's number two Piet Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and several key players – James, Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from sitting out the last group game. A pair were booked in incidents that might hamper Wales.

The home side, ranked near the bottom in international football, had been goalless in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an rate of around four per match.

The visitors as expected controlled the ball as their hosts lay in a deep defensive line and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target saw little action until Nathan Broadhead chasing down caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the penalty area saved by the goalkeeper.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, James picking out Broadhead now with a precise delivery over the top.

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

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after the opening period when James nodded a lofted Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Welsh joy were halted when the match official was directed to the pitchside monitor and decided that a player of the Welsh central defenders was in an offside position from James’s initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the interval and Sorba Thomas sent in a ball to the opposite side which James hit the woodwork.

Williams then headed wide from within the penalty box as it appeared like one of those nights for Wales.

However, with the game having entered its 61st minute, Williams played a clever pass for his teammate to break behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

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