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Wales secured a tight 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup progress.

The young midfielder claimed his debut international strike for the national team from inside the box after the home side's mix of full-time players, office workers and part-timers had defended for the majority of the match. James ran off in elation with his visible excitement mirrored by the three thousand Wales fans packed into most sections of the stadium in the capital.

Shortly after, yet, James was cautioned and a further booking for his midfield partner ensured the two players are ruled out for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

The Cardiff City Stadium match is a clash Wales need to win to leapfrog their rivals and secure a improved seeding in the playoffs in March.

Craig Bellamy had an unusual view from the sidelines, Bellamy serving a touchline ban after picking up a second yellow card in the qualifiers last month.

Bellamy’s assistant Piet Cremers assumed duties in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the final qualifier. Two of them were booked in incidents that could really hurt Wales.

Their opponents, situated among the lowest-ranked in global rankings, had failed to score in their six qualifying defeats and let in twenty-three times at an average of almost four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly dominated possession as Liechtenstein employed a deep defensive line and got bodies behind the ball.

The home goal saw little action until the forward's pressing won possession and Jordan James saw his shot from the 18-yard line saved by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, James finding Broadhead this time with a precise ball over the top.

Broadhead’s excellent touch beat the keeper but the forward could not convert from a tight angle.

Wales believed they'd taken the lead after 26 minutes when Jordan James headed a high Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was harassed by Dylan Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt reached Nathan Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Welsh joy were cut short when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that at least one of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside position from Jordan's initial touch.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the interval and Sorba Thomas sent in a cross to the far post which the winger struck the frame of the goal.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it started to seem like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

But, with the game having reached its final half-hour, Neco Williams played a intelligent through ball for his teammate to run past the home defence.

Daniel James cut out the goalkeeper with a excellent ball into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of ending Wales' anxiety.