Liechtenstein 0-1 Wales result- Jordan James' second-half strike secures win in World Cup qualifying

Despite dominating possession and chances, Wales had to settle for a 1-0 win at Liechtenstein in World Cup qualifying thanks to a second-half strike from Jordan James.

The 206th-ranked team in the world frustrated Craig Bellamy’s Dragons in both halves, keeping them out for more than an hour. 

In the first 45 the away side practically set up camp in their opponents’ end but were unable to achieve a breakthrough. They made plenty of chances, and kept Liechtenstein’s keeper Benjamin Buchel busy. 

The travelling fans were sure they had seen the opening goal of the game on 24 minutes, when Nathan Broadhead poked home. Sorba Thomas’ corner was all the way over to Jordan James who sent a looping header into the box, which eventually landed for Broadhead to stick into the back of the net. The dreaded VAR summoned the referee over to review an incident, and after a protracted inspection, the Albanian official ruled the goal out for offside.

That seemed to buoy the home team, who enjoyed a brief period with the ball themselves, as Wales struggled to regroup and re-establish their superiority.

The second half brought even more urgency from Wales and even more of a mismatch in key statistics, as the visitors brought their superior fitness to the fore, passing the ball from one side to the other.

Still, the 3,000 travelling supporters had to wait until the hour mark for the breakthrough. An elegant turn and pass from Neco Williams found Dan James down the right, and he swept in a low cross that Jordan James was perfectly placed to smash home, opening his account for his country.

Mere minutes later, he was brought down to the earth with a booking. Adrenaline perhaps still coursing through his system, the Leicester player went through the back of Liechtenstein’s captain Nicolas Hasler and rightly picked up a card. That booking will see him miss Wales' final qualifying match of the campaign against North Macedonia on Tuesday.

A yellow too for stand-in captain Ethan Ampadu will also see him miss the must-win match in Cardiff.

On Saturday, however, Wales did what they needed to do, taking home a valuable three points which sees them level on points with North Macedonia, and still in with a good chance of finishing Group J in second place.

"Needed the win, got the win. We had to be patient. We had a lot of the ball, a lot of the chances. We’d have liked to score more goals, see more in the back of the net, but at the end of the day, the win is a win. With our attacking quality, we know we can produce. It’s not like the desire wasn’t there, but today we just didn’t score the goals. I’m gutted [to pick up a yellow card.] If it was a challenge where I’d been reckless and silly, but I don’t think it was, I don’t think it deserved it. We wanted to get this win, so our focus is to get the win on Tuesday."

It's finished 0-1 as Jordan James first goal is enough to give Wales the win in Liechtenstein.

He meets the ball at the far post, and it would have been spectacular. Wales just switched off there for a moment.

Brilliant first touch on the run, his shot isn't quite as good and goes wide.

Holding off the defender, his first shot is blocked, his second doesn't have the power of the first and the keeper is able to save.

He went into the challenge and the referee judged his studs to be showing. He'll feel hard done by and that's a blow for Wales.

As the match enters its final minutes. It won't be six for Wales, I don't think, but they'll take the win.

Thomas can be satisfied with his own contribution to this match.

A bit harsh that one, in my opinion.

He applauds the travelling support, who give it back in spades, appreciative of his goal.

A let-off for Wales, you might say. Liechtenstein's best chance of the game, squandered, as it soars over.

Lovely one-two passing that brings the ball as far as the byline and Colwell, on his back foot, can't keep it from going behind.

Didn't quite get the contact he wanted, but Buchel still has to make the save.

And now Liechtenstein can't afford to sit back and absorb the pressure, there might be a few more gaps opening further up the pitch.