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The Welsh side claimed a tight 1-0 victory over international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup qualification.

The young midfielder claimed his debut international strike for the national team from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for more than 60 minutes. James wheeled away in joy with his obvious relief echoed by the 3,000 Wales supporters occupying most sections of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, yet, James was booked and another late caution for his midfield partner resulted in the pair are suspended for Tuesday’s crunch tie with North Macedonia due to disciplinary issues.

The home venue contest is a clash Wales must win to overtake North Macedonia and obtain a more favourable draw in the final round in next spring.

Craig Bellamy had an different vantage point from the stands, the head coach undertaking a touchline ban after being shown a second yellow card in the qualifiers earlier.

The manager's deputy Cremers assumed duties in the dugout and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from missing the last group game. A pair came unstuck in situations that could really hurt their team.

Their opponents, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in global rankings, had not scored in their six qualifying defeats and let in twenty-three goals at an average of around four per fixture.

Wales predictably had most of the play as their hosts lay in a compact shape and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal saw little action until Broadhead high press forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

That pairing crafted an opportunity, Jordan locating Broadhead this time with a well-weighted ball into space.

Broadhead’s superb control beat the keeper but the forward was unable to score from a tight angle.

Wales believed they'd taken the lead after 26 minutes when James directed a lofted Thomas set-piece back into a crowded goal area.

Büchel was under pressure by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch landed with Nathan Broadhead who scored decisively. But Welsh joy were cut short when the referee was directed to the video review system and decided that one or more of the Wales central defenders was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors increased the pressure after the half-time and Thomas delivered a centering pass to the back post which the winger rattled against the woodwork.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the six-yard box as it started to seem like a difficult match for Wales.

However, with the game having ticked into its final half-hour, Williams delivered a clever through ball for his teammate to get in behind the home defence.

Daniel James cut out the goalkeeper with a delightful ball across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of easing Wales' nerves.