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Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against international minnows Liechtenstein to sustain their aspirations of World Cup progress.

Wales' James scored his maiden international strike for Wales from near the goal after the home side's assorted collection of professionals, amateurs and part-timers had resisted for more than 60 minutes. James celebrated in delight with his visible excitement echoed by the 3,000 Welsh followers occupying three sides of the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital.

Soon afterwards, however, Jordan James was booked and a further yellow for Ethan Ampadu ensured the two players are suspended for Tuesday’s crucial match with their next opponents through disciplinary issues.

That Cardiff City Stadium contest is a encounter Wales must win to overtake their rivals and guarantee a more favourable draw in the final round in March.

The Wales manager had an different view from the sidelines, Bellamy completing a sideline suspension after receiving a additional booking in the competition last month.

Bellamy’s assistant Piet Cremers assumed duties in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from missing the last group game. Two of them received cautions in moments that might hamper their team.

Liechtenstein, placed near the bottom in world football, had been goalless in their previous six losses and conceded 23 goals at an rate of around four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly controlled the ball as Liechtenstein adopted a compact shape and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target was rarely tested until Nathan Broadhead pressing won possession and Jordan James saw his shot from the edge of the box parried by Büchel.

The same combination crafted an opportunity, Jordan finding Broadhead now with a precise pass behind the defence.

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

Wales thought they had scored the opener after the opening period when James directed a deep Sorba Thomas corner back into a packed six-yard box.

Büchel was under pressure by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance reached Broadhead who finished powerfully. But Wales' joy were halted when the referee was directed to the video review system and determined that a player of the Welsh centre-halves was in an offside from Jordan's initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the interval and Thomas delivered a ball to the opposite side which the winger hit the woodwork.

Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it began to look like a difficult match for Wales.

Yet, with the game having entered its second half, Williams played a intelligent pass for his teammate to break behind the opposition backline.

Daniel James beat Büchel with a superb cross into the danger area, and his teammate Jordan James had the straightforward task of easing Wales' anxiety.