No statement performance but Wales are halfway there

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.

- By GLEN WILLIAMS

Wales took care of business, but their victory over Liechtenstein felt more like a box ticked than a statement performance.

Still, this result ensures tomorrow's showdown at Cardiff City Stadium will be a straight shootout for second place in the group and, crucially, for a home semifinal in the World Cup playoffs.

Wales, led on the night by assistant coach Piet Cremers due to Craig 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.

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.