In a recent World Cup qualifier, Jordan James led Wales to a vital victory against Liechtenstein, securing a 1-0 win. The match took place in Vaduz, where Wales was without head coach Craig Bellamy due to a suspension.
Match Overview
The game saw assistant coach Piet Cremers stepping in for Bellamy. Lieschtenstein’s team primarily consists of part-time players, including students and office workers. They are ranked among the bottom five countries in FIFA standings and had not scored a goal in their last six matches, conceding 23 during that period.
First Half Highlights
- Wales aimed to dominate but faced an initial struggle against Liechtenstein’s solid defense.
- Broadhead had an early chance at goal, but VAR disallowed it due to an offside infringement.
The first half was marked by frustration for the Welsh side, as they struggled to break through. However, the breakthrough came in the second half.
Crucial Goal by Jordan James
Jordan James scored the only goal of the match after an excellent pass from Williams. His low shot found the net, marking his first international goal.
Match Statistics
| Team | Goals | Possession (%) | Shots on Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 1 | 64 | 4 |
| Liechtenstein | 0 | 36 | 2 |
Disciplinary Concerns
Both Jordan James and Ampadu received yellow cards during the match. This means they will be unavailable for Wales’ upcoming game against North Macedonia.
A Dangerous Opposition
Despite being ranked low, Liechtenstein threatened to score in stoppage time, with Wolfinger missing a volley. This incident highlighted Wales’ need for improvement ahead of their next qualifying match.
This victory was crucial for Wales as they continue their campaign towards the World Cup, showing that even teams ranked much lower can pose challenges on the field.
