Uefa Under-21 Championships
Liechtenstein 1, Wales 3
Wales are second in their Uefa Under-21 Championship group after battling to a big away win at the Eschen-Mauren Sportpark in Liechtenstein.
Leicester City’s George Thomas scored twice with Matthew Smith (Manchester City) adding their third goal.
Wales manager Robert Page said: “It was a professional performance by the boys.
“It was a no-win situation, we were expected to just turn up and get the points.
“But sometimes those type of games are hard. It was important that we got that first goal.
“That was the key to unlock the door. It opened the game up and gave us some space to attack.
“Six points out of a potential nine is a great start and it sets us up nicely for the two home games in November.
“It’s a good result but there’s more to come from this group and that’s exciting for them.”
Wales now have back-to-back home fixtures during November.
Bangor City host both matches, against Bosnia and Romania, and they are crucial to Welsh hopes of qualifying for the 2019 tournament in Italy and San Marino.
Goalscorer Thomas said after his double strike: “I’m absolutely delighted. Any goal in international football gives me great pleasure but hopefully I can score more now.
“We’ve had three tough away games to kick this campaign off, so we’re very happy with six points, but now it’s vital that we get six points from the two home games next month.”
Wales have won against Switzerland (3-0) and Liechtenstein, while they lost 2-0 in Portugal.
Their patience and resilience were tested against a resolute Liechtenstein and the emotion was more relief than joy when the deadlock was eventually broken on 24 minutes with a deft Thomas header.
Within minutes the striker doubled the lead from a penalty and Matthew Smith made it 3-0 early in the second half after 52 minutes.
Powerful striker Ridvan Kardesoglu pulled a goal just before the hour and that ensured Wales faced a nervy finish to a hard-fought match.
Wales were wobbling a little near the end, but they saw out a vital victory.
Their next qualifying fixtures are against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, November 9 and Monday, November 13.
Wales: Luke Pilling (Tranmere Rovers), Cameron Coxe (Cardiff City), Rhys Abbruzzese (Cardiff City), Regan Poole (Manchester United, on loan Northampton), Joe Rodon (Swansea City), Cian Harries (Swansea City), George Thomas (Leicester City), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Tyler Roberts (West Brom), Nathan Broadhead (Everton)
Subs used: Jack Evans (Swansea City) for Smith 85; Mark Harris (Cardiff City) for Broadhead 74; Rabbi Matondo (Manchester City) for Morrell 85.
Subs not used: Owen Evans (gk, Wigan Athletic), Cola Dasilva (Chelsea), Aron Davies (Fulham), Daniel James (Swansea City), Liam Cullen (Swansea City).
Liechtenstein: Majer, Mikus, Seerman (Vogt 82), Hofer, Quaderer, Sele, Wolfinger (Eidenbenz 78), Ritter, Kardesoglu (Kratochwil 89), Meier, Haas.
