Wales' Jordan James nets the Welsh team to important World Cup qualifying victory versus the Liechtenstein national team.
Wales secured a narrow 1-0 success against underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their aspirations of World Cup qualification.
Jordan James scored his debut goal for Wales from inside the box after the home side's assorted collection of full-time players, amateurs and part-timers had defended for more than 60 minutes. James wheeled away in elation with his obvious relief shared by the 3,000 Welsh supporters packed into most sections of the stadium in the capital.
Shortly after, though, Jordan James was shown a yellow card and a further late caution for his midfield partner ensured the two players are suspended for Tuesday’s decisive game with North Macedonia due to suspension.
That home venue fixture is a game the Welsh team must win to leapfrog North Macedonia and obtain a improved seeding in the playoffs in next spring.
Bellamy had an unusual vantage point from the sidelines, Bellamy completing a touchline ban after picking up a second yellow card in the competition previously.
Bellamy’s deputy Piet Cremers stood in in the technical area and multiple first-teamers – James, Ampadu, Rodon, Williams – were one caution from from being absent for the last group game. Two of them received cautions in situations that might hamper Wales.
Liechtenstein, placed near the bottom in international football, had failed to score in their winless run and let in twenty-three times at an average of almost four per fixture.
The visitors unsurprisingly dominated possession as their hosts lay in a deep defensive line and packed their defence.
Their opponent's target saw little action until Broadhead high press won possession and Jordan James saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by BĂĽchel.
That pairing created another chance, James finding his teammate now with a precise ball behind the defence.
Broadhead’s excellent first touch evaded the keeper but the forward was unable to score from a tight angle.
The Welsh team felt they scored the opener after 26 minutes when James nodded a high Thomas set-piece back into a crowded six-yard box.
The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Dylan Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his weak punch fell to Broadhead who scored decisively. But Wales' joy were curtailed when the official was instructed to the VAR screen and ruled that one or more of the Wales centre-halves was in an offside from James’s initial touch.
Wales increased the pressure after the interval and Thomas sent in a ball to the far post which the winger rattled against the frame of the goal.
Neco Williams then directed his header off target from within the six-yard box as it appeared like a difficult match for Wales.
Yet, with the game having reached its final half-hour, Williams delivered a clever through ball for Daniel James to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.
James bypassed the goalkeeper with a superb cross across the face of goal, and his namesake Jordan James had the simple opportunity of easing Welsh tension.