Wales 3-0 Liechtenstein: Craig Bellamy’s side go top of World Cup qualifying group – but suffer huge injury blow in the process

• Joe Rodon scored his first international goal as Wales overcame Liechtenstein
• Harry Wilson and Kiefer Moore notched second half goals to seal victory 

By JOE BERNSTEIN

Joe Rodon’s first international goal helped Wales overcome minnows Liechtenstein but manager Craig Bellamy suffered an injury blow before Monday’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium with Neco Williams carried off on a stretcher.

Rodon’s thumping header at the end of the first half pacified Welsh frustrations who had until then encountered visiting goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel in inspired form.

Second half goals from Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore gave the scoreline a fairer reflection but while Bellamy’s side now head to Brussels as Group J leaders, there will be concern over Nottingham Forest defender Williams who landed awkwardly on his ankle after 20 minutes and left the pitch in pain.

The FIFA rankings suggested a one-sided affair at the Cardiff City stadium with only five countries considered worse than Liechtenstein in 205th.

Bellamy’s unbeaten record in charge was never likely to be threatened but Buchel kept the game goalless for 39 minutes by pulling off fantastic stops to deny Brennan Johnson, Ethan Ampadu and Moore.

Liechtenstein contested the corner that broke the deadlock but Sorba Thomas capitalised with an excellent delivery for Leeds United’s Rodon to power home on his 53rd appearance for his country.

It was Williams’ replacement Jay Dasilva who set up the second Wales goal after 65 minutes.

Joe Rodon celebrates scoring his first goal for Wales in victory over Liechtenstein

Rodon’s opening goal at the end of the first half set Wales on their way in Cardiff

Harry Wilson doubled Wales’ lead as they went top of their World Cup qualifying group

Kieffer Moore celebrates with David Brooks as Craig Bellamy’s side took all three points

His pinpoint cross from the left was headed in by Wilson who was back on familiar territory having spent a season on loan for Cardiff from Liverpool.

Three minutes later, Moore was able to bag in his 14th international goal, tapping home after a shot by substitute David Brooks had been parried by Buchel.

Liechtenstein are winless in 44 World Cup qualifiers and failed to register a shot at goal with their 20% possession.

With the points in the bag, Bellamy was able to withdraw key men Johnson, Thomas and Wilson to keep them fresh for Belgium who are favourites to take their only automatic qualifying spot and opened their campaign last night in North Macedonia.

Wales also hope to have Leeds winger Dan James available if he continues his recovery from illness. Tottenham’s Ben Davies is tipped to continue as captain and should win his 96th cap.

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Wales 3-0 Liechtenstein: Craig Bellamy’s side go top of World Cup qualifying group – but suffer huge injury blow in the process

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