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The Welsh side earned a narrow 1-0 success over international minnows Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup progress.

Wales' James notched his maiden international strike for the national team from near the goal after Liechtenstein’s assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and students had resisted for more than 60 minutes. The scorer ran off in joy with his visible excitement echoed by the large contingent of Wales supporters occupying multiple stands of the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.

Moments later, however, Jordan James was booked and another late caution for his midfield partner means both midfielders are suspended for Tuesday’s crucial match with their next opponents due to accumulated bookings.

That Cardiff City Stadium contest is a encounter Wales must win to move above their rivals and obtain a better seeding in the playoffs in March.

Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the stands, the head coach completing a technical area prohibition after being shown a additional booking in the competition last month.

The manager's number two his assistant took his place in the technical area and several key players – Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams – were a booking away from being absent for the concluding match. A pair were booked in moments that may damage Wales.

The home side, situated 206 out of 210 teams in international football, had not scored in their previous six losses and let in 23 times at an rate of around four per game.

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

Their opponent's target was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead chasing down caused a mistake and James saw his shot from the edge of the box parried by Benjamin Büchel.

A similar move crafted an opportunity, Jordan locating Broadhead on this occasion with a accurate delivery behind the defence.

Broadhead’s fine touch beat the keeper but the attacker failed to finish from a difficult angle.

Wales thought they had broken the deadlock after the first half when James nodded a deep Sorba Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was under pressure by Lawlor and Rodon, and his weak punch reached Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were cut short when the match official was sent to the pitchside monitor and ruled that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an illegal position from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the break and Sorba Thomas delivered a ball to the back post which James rattled against the woodwork.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from inside the penalty box as it began to look like one of those nights for Wales.

But, with the game having reached its second half, Neco Williams executed a intelligent through ball for his teammate to get in behind the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James beat the goalkeeper with a superb pass across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan had the simple opportunity of ending Welsh tension.