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Wales earned a tight 1-0 victory over less-fancied opponents Liechtenstein to maintain their chances of World Cup qualifying.

The young midfielder scored his maiden international strike for Wales from inside the box after Liechtenstein’s mix of full-time players, amateurs and students had defended for more than 60 minutes. James ran off in joy with his obvious relief echoed by the 3,000 Wales fans packed into most sections of the stadium in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, James was booked and a further yellow for his midfield partner means both midfielders are unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive game with their next opponents through suspension.

The home venue fixture is a encounter the Welsh team must win to move above their rivals and secure a better seeding in the qualifying playoffs in March.

The Wales manager had an different perspective from the dugout, the head coach completing a technical area prohibition after receiving a further caution in the competition earlier.

The manager's assistant Piet Cremers took his place in the dugout and several key players – James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the concluding match. A pair came unstuck in moments that might hamper their team.

The home side, placed near the bottom in global rankings, had not scored in their winless run and allowed 23 times at an average of almost four per fixture.

Wales unsurprisingly controlled the ball as Liechtenstein employed a deep defensive line and defended in numbers.

Their opponent's target saw little action until Nathan Broadhead high press caused a mistake and James saw his effort from the 18-yard line pushed aside by Büchel.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan finding Broadhead on this occasion with a precise ball over the top.

Broadhead’s fine touch beat Büchel but the Wrexham striker failed to finish from a narrow position.

The Welsh team felt they broken the deadlock after the first half when James directed a high Thomas corner back into a crowded penalty box.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his feeble attempt landed with Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' elation were cut short when the official was sent to the video review system and decided that at least one of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

Wales raised the tempo after the half-time and Thomas provided a ball to the back post which the winger hit the woodwork.

Williams then missed with a header from inside the six-yard box as it appeared like a difficult match for Wales.

But, with the game having reached its 61st minute, Neco Williams played a shrewd pass for Daniel James to break behind the home defence.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a delightful cross across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan James had the easy job of easing Wales' anxiety.