Minnows San Marino score 1st win in 20 years
September 5, 2024, at 5:20 PM Eastern Time
San Marino achieved a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. This marked their first-ever win in a competitive match and their first victory in any game in two decades.
Nicko Sensoli found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, securing the small country's first victory in a competitive match, despite being surrounded by Italy.
San Marino is at the bottom of FIFA's world rankings at position 210, while Liechtenstein is just slightly ahead at position 199.
San Marino's most recent victory was achieved in a friendly match against the same team back in April 2004.
Their supporters have suffered through 140 games without a victory since that time and the 19-year-old Sensoli's goal led to enthusiastic celebrations at the San Marino stadium.
Sensoli was not alive when San Marino last won a match, and fans had to wait anxiously for the game to end with an extra eight minutes added on. Finally, the victory was secured, putting the hosts at the top of Group 1, which also features Gibraltar.
Thursday's win brings San Marino's overall record to 2 wins, 10 losses, and 199 total games played.
This report includes details from news sources such as The Associated Press and Reuters.
