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The Welsh side claimed a narrow 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to maintain their aspirations of World Cup qualifying.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for Wales from near the goal after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had defended for over an hour. James celebrated in elation with his clear emotion mirrored by the three thousand Welsh followers filling three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Shortly after, though, James was shown a yellow card and a further booking for his midfield partner means both midfielders are unavailable for Tuesday’s crunch tie with their next opponents through accumulated bookings.

That home venue fixture is a clash Wales must win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a improved position in the final round in March.

Bellamy had an unfamiliar view from the dugout, Bellamy serving a touchline ban after picking up a second yellow card in the qualifiers previously.

Bellamy’s number two Cremers took his place in the coaching zone and multiple first-teamers – Jordan James, Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were one caution from from missing the concluding match. Both James and Ampadu received cautions in moments that could really hurt their team.

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

Wales predictably dominated possession as their hosts employed a compact shape and defended in numbers.

The home goal saw little action until Broadhead pressing forced an error and Jordan James saw his effort from the penalty area pushed aside by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, James picking out Broadhead on this occasion with a accurate delivery over the top.

Broadhead’s excellent first touch took him past the keeper but the forward failed to finish from a difficult angle.

The Welsh team believed they'd taken the lead after the opening period when James directed a high Sorba Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Rodon, and his poor clearance landed with Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were curtailed when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that at least one of the Welsh central defenders was in an offside position from James’s header.

The visitors raised the tempo after the break and Sorba Thomas delivered a cross to the back post which James struck the crossbar.

Neco Williams then missed with a header from within the penalty box as it started to seem like one of those nights for Wales.

Yet, with the game having entered its final half-hour, Neco Williams delivered a shrewd assist for his teammate to get in behind the home defence.

James cut out Büchel with a delightful ball across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan had the straightforward task of easing Welsh nerves.