Scrappy Wales survive Liechtenstein scare to maintain world cup push

Wales edged past Liechtenstein with a laboured 1-0 victory on Friday, doing just enough to keep their bid for second place in their World Cup qualifying group alive, Sport360NG reports.

Despite facing a side ranked 206th in the world and made up largely of part-timers, Wales struggled to impose themselves in Vaduz. Nathan Broadhead thought he had given them an early lead, only for VAR to rule his finish out for offside after a lengthy review.

Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel, often his country’s busiest player, was again called into frequent action, yet Wales’ lack of creativity allowed the hosts to reach the break level.

Daniel James went close shortly after half-time when his volley struck the post, but the breakthrough eventually came on the hour. Neat interplay between Neco Williams and James opened up the defence, allowing Jordan James to tap in from close range for his first international goal.

The finish at least gave the 3,000 travelling fans, who occupied three sides of the Rheinpark Stadio, something to celebrate on a night when Wales rarely found rhythm or control.

Craig Bellamy’s team now must beat North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday to secure second place behind Belgium in Group J, which would guarantee a home play-off semi-final in March. A failure to win would still put Wales into the play-offs via their Nations League ranking, but they would face a one-legged tie away from home.

Their task will be tougher without captain Ethan Ampadu and goalscorer Jordan James, both of whom will miss the next match after collecting bookings in Vaduz.

Bellamy’s absence felt

With Bellamy serving a touchline ban after his yellow card against Belgium last month, assistant Piet Cremers took charge from the bench. Even so, Wales were expected to handle a Liechtenstein side who had not scored in six qualifiers and had shipped 23 goals in that run.

The hosts had frustrated Wales in the reverse fixture in Cardiff until late in the first half, and their resistance held even longer this time. Broadhead’s disallowed strike was the closest Wales came before the interval, and Buchel’s routine saves highlighted the visitors’ lack of urgency and invention.

The second half brought marginal improvement, but clear chances remained scarce until Williams’ incisive pass released Daniel James, whose low delivery was converted by Jordan James.

Moments later, both James and Ampadu went into the referee’s book, confirming their suspensions for Tuesday’s decisive game.

Liechtenstein almost snatched a late equaliser in stoppage time when Sandro Wolfinger volleyed wide, sparing Wales an even more uncomfortable result at the end of a forgettable performance.