Vaduz, Liechtenstein – A crucial strike from Jordan James secured a narrow 1-0 victory for Wales against Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The win keeps Wales' hopes alive for a play-off spot, but the victory came at a cost, with both James and Ethan Ampadu suspended for the decisive match against North Macedonia on Tuesday.
Wales, heavily favored against a Liechtenstein side ranked 206th in the world, dominated possession from the outset. However, they struggled to break down a stubborn Liechtenstein defense that packed players behind the ball. The first real chance fell to James after 19 minutes, following good pressing from Nathan Broadhead, but his shot was saved by Benjamin Büchel. Broadhead himself then rounded Büchel but couldn't convert from a tight angle.
Broadhead thought he had broken the deadlock in the 25th minute, but his goal was disallowed by VAR for an offside in the build-up. Despite Wales' continued dominance, Liechtenstein grew in confidence as the first half ended goalless.
Wales continued to press after the restart, with Broadhead, Dan James and Neco Williams all going close. The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when a superb pass from Williams found Dan James, who squared the ball for Jordan James to smash home from close range. It was James' first senior international goal.
However, elation quickly turned to concern as James received a yellow card just minutes after scoring, ruling him out of the crucial upcoming match against North Macedonia. Ethan Ampadu also picked up a late booking, compounding Wales' suspension woes.
Liechtenstein threatened late on, a reminder of the danger of a one-goal lead. Andreas Malin headed a corner over the bar in the 75th minute. Sandro Wolfinger also volleyed past the post late in the game. Despite the late pressure, Wales held on for the win.
Wales' manager, Craig Bellamy, served a touchline ban, with assistant Piet Cremers taking his place in the technical area. Bellamy had made four changes to the starting lineup, partly enforced by Ben Davies' injury and Harry Wilson's suspension.
The win sets up a crucial encounter with North Macedonia, with the winner likely to secure a play-off spot. Both teams are level on points in Group J. Wales will need to overcome the absence of key players James and Ampadu to secure their World Cup dream.
