Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Saturday, with Jordan James scoring his first international goal to keep Craig Bellamy's side on course for a World Cup playoff spot.
However, the triumph was bittersweet, as both James and captain Ethan Ampadu received bookings that will rule them out of Tuesday's decisive clash against North Macedonia. Cymru's narrow win at the Rheinpark Stadion keeps their qualification hopes alive, but it came at a significant cost with the suspensions threatening to derail their final group match.
Missed Chances and VAR Controversy
Wales created numerous opportunities but struggled with their finishing, particularly in the first half when they should have established a commanding lead. Nathan Broadhead thought he had given Wales an early lead in the 25th minute, only for VAR to disallow the goal after a lengthy review ruled that Joe Rodon was offside in the build-up to the goal. The decision proved controversial among the travelling support, with the Wrexham forward also missing another golden opportunity minutes before, when he rounded the goalkeeper but sent his effort over the crossbar.
The VAR controversy epitomised Wales' frustration during the opening 45 minutes. The decision would have given Wales the platform they needed to build momentum, but instead it forced Bellamy's side to remain patient and continue searching for an opening.
Dan James tested the Liechtenstein goalkeeper with a volley that struck the post, a moment that encapsulated Wales' dominance but also their inability to convert pressure into goals. Neco Williams headed wide as Wales increasingly pressed for the breakthrough. Despite the possessional dominance, with Wales enjoying over 80% of possession in large swathes of the game, Bellamy's side struggled to create the clear-cut opportunities that would have made for a more convincing performance. Liechtenstein's defensive resilience, while limited in attacking threat, proved effective in frustrating their visitors throughout the first half.
DISALLOWED! Nathan Broadhead thought he'd given Wales the lead but it's been ruled out following a VAR check ❌#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/duTWKlBcCz
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 15, 2025
A Clinical Strike in a Gruelling Encounter
The Leicester midfielder broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, finishing at the back post after a brilliant passing move involving Neco Williams and Dan James. Williams' reverse pass released Dan James down the right wing, and his cross found Jordan James arriving perfectly to slot home the winner. The moment, which should have sparked celebrations, instead became overshadowed by the yellow card shown to James just a few moments later, a booking that has far-reaching consequences for the final game of Wales' World Cup campaign.
Wales dominated large periods of the match at the Rheinpark Stadion, where over 3,000 travelling fans backing the team throughout a testing afternoon in the Alpine nation. However, breaking down Liechtenstein's deep defensive block proved frustrating for much of the contest. The home side, ranked 206th in world football and without a win or goal in the entirety of qualifying, set up to frustrate and remained compact throughout, employing a rigid five-at-the-back formation that limited Wales' usually sloppy and laboured attacking opportunities despite their clear superiority in possession and territory. However, it has to be said that Wales simply have to do better against an opposition of Lichtenstein's respective quality and ranking, with a narrow win, bordering on unacceptable for the Cymru fans.
GOAL! Jordan James finishes off a wonderful move and gives Wales a 1-0 lead 👏#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/fnJGrAeJaI
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 15, 2025
Suspension Headache for North Macedonia Decider
The biggest blow from the victory came in its aftermath. Both Jordan James and Ethan Ampadu, received second-half bookings that will force them to sit out the final group match. This is a huge concern for Wales, who face a must-win encounter against North Macedonia on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. The result means three nations—Belgium, Wales, and North Macedonia—can still claim top spot in Group J, with only second place securing an easier draw in the World Cup playoff round scheduled for March.
The loss of both James and Ampadu represents a serious blow to Wales' midfield and defensive stability. Ampadu, in particular, has been a cornerstone of Wales' defensive setup throughout this qualification campaign, and his absence against North Macedonia could prove costly. James, meanwhile, has emerged as a force in the Welsh midfield, who ticks a lot of the boxes. His suspension removes that tenacity and creativity that Wales will desperately miss. Bellamy now faces a selection headache as he prepares his side for what amounts to a winner-takes-all fixture.
Ethan Ampadu says he is "gutted" to have received a second yellow card of Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign 😔
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 15, 2025
The card means a suspension for Tuesday's decisive final group game against North Macedonia ❌#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/05xCSPUT43
Campaign at a Crossroads
Despite the laboured nature of the victory, Wales' fifth successive clean sheet against Liechtenstein keeps their qualification campaign alive. The Dragons now sit third in Group J with 13 points, but face a critical fixture against North Macedonia where nothing but victory will suffice if they are to secure the second-place finish that guarantees a playoff spot. With Belgium still capable of claiming top spot and North Macedonia pushing hard for a playoff position, the stakes have never been higher for Bellamy's side.
The performance against Liechtenstein, while ultimately successful, will concern many observers. Against one of the weakest sides in European football, Wales should have won with greater comfort and conviction. The inability to convert chances, despite controlling the match, suggests that when Wales face stronger opposition on Tuesday, they will need to be far more clinical in front of goal. One-goal margins are inherently fragile, and against a North Macedonia side that has only conceded 3 goals in 7 games, Wales cannot afford a slow start or lacklustre finishing.
Here's how Group J looks after Wales' win over Liechtenstein yesterday... 👀#BBCFootball #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6W8jJ4BhhK
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 16, 2025
Looking Ahead to Cardiff
For Wales fans and Bellamy's squad, this was a case of mission accomplished—just barely. Wales got the job done when it mattered most, but the price paid in suspensions means they will travel to Cardiff on Tuesday facing their biggest test yet without two key midfield figures. The atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium is likely to be electric, with the home support desperate to see Wales secure a playoff spot and keep alive their World Cup dreams.
North Macedonia will arrive as stern opponents, having already proven they can compete at this level. Wales must find a way to win without James and Ampadu, relying on their defensive discipline and clinical finishing to overcome the challenge. For a squad that has shown resilience throughout this qualification campaign, Tuesday represents both a final chance and a moment of genuine opportunity to achieve another landmark for Welsh football.
