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The Welsh side claimed a tight 1-0 success over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup progress.

The young midfielder claimed his maiden goal for the national team from near the goal after the home side's mix of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for the majority of the match. James wheeled away in elation with his visible excitement shared by the 3,000 Wales fans occupying three sides of the stadium in Vaduz.

Shortly after, yet, Jordan James was booked and another yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are ruled out for the upcoming decisive game with their next opponents due to disciplinary issues.

The Wales' ground match is a clash the Welsh team need to win to overtake their rivals and secure a improved draw in the final round in March.

The Wales manager had an unfamiliar perspective from the dugout, the Wales manager undertaking a technical area prohibition after being shown a second yellow card in the competition earlier.

The manager's deputy his assistant took his place in the coaching zone and several key players – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Neco Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the final qualifier. Both James and Ampadu were booked in incidents that could really hurt their team.

Their opponents, ranked 206 out of 210 teams in world football, had failed to score in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an average of around four per fixture.

Wales predictably controlled the ball as Liechtenstein lay in a compact shape and defended in numbers.

The home goal remained unthreatened until Nathan Broadhead high press won possession and James saw his effort from the penalty area parried by the goalkeeper.

That pairing created another chance, James locating Broadhead this time with a precise delivery into space.

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

The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after 26 minutes when James nodded a lofted Sorba Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

Büchel was flustered by Lawlor and Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Nathan Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' elation were curtailed when the match official was sent to the pitchside monitor and decided that at least one of the Welsh defenders was in an offside position from Jordan's header.

Wales stepped up a gear after the half-time and Thomas sent in a cross to the far post which Daniel James hit the crossbar.

Williams then missed with a header from within the six-yard box as it started to seem like a difficult match for the Welsh side.

But, with the match having ticked into its second half, Neco Williams delivered a clever assist for Daniel James to run past the opposition backline.

James bypassed Büchel with a delightful pass into the danger area, and his namesake Jordan James had the simple opportunity of ending Wales' anxiety.