Liechtenstein 0-1 Wales: Jordan James strike sets up thrilling campaign finale

Wales secured victory over Liechtenstein in Vaduz thanks to a sole Jordan James strike to set up a winner-takes-all clash against North Macedonia on Tuesday night.

Wales took care of business, but their victory over Liechtenstein felt more like a box ticked than a statement performance. Still, this result ensures Tuesday night’s showdown at Cardiff City Stadium will be a straight shootout for second place in the group and, crucially, for a home semi-final in the World Cup play-offs.

Craig Bellamy’s side, led on the night by assistant coach Piet Cremers due to Bellamy’s touchline suspension, dominated from first minute to last against a side now beaten in 11 consecutive matches. Yet for all Wales’ control and the sheer volume of chances created, it took until the 61st minute for the breakthrough to arrive.

The decisive moment came via a wonderfully constructed move down the right. Neco Williams, who had been Wales’ most inventive outlet throughout, split the Liechtenstein defence with a superb through-ball to Dan James. The winger showed admirable composure before squaring for Jordan James, who arrived unmarked to smash home from close range.

It was a richly deserved lead after a first half that brought both frustration and squandered opportunities. Nathan Broadhead twice went close , once rounding goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel but missing the open goal, and later drilling home a loose ball that was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check.

Mark Harris also forced a smart stop, while Dan James struck the post early in the second half following a brilliant Sorba Thomas cross.

Despite the scoreline remaining tight, Liechtenstein rarely threatened Karl Darlow’s goal. Emanuel Zünd flashed one effort well wide before Andreas