Minnows San Marino score 1st win in 20 years
On September 5, 2024, at 10:20 PM, the blog section was updated.
San Marino beat Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, marking their first victory in a competitive match and their first win in two decades.
Nicko Sensoli found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, securing a historic victory for the small country, which is located near Italy, in their first competitive match.
San Marino is ranked at the bottom of the FIFA world rankings at 210, while Liechtenstein is just slightly ahead at 199.
San Marino's most recent victory was in a friendly match against the same team in April of 2004.
Their supporters have gone through 140 games without a victory since that time, and the 19-year-old Sensoli's goal triggered enthusiastic celebrations at the San Marino arena.
Sensoli hadn't even been born the last time San Marino won a match. The game was tense, with eight minutes of added time before the final whistle confirmed their victory. This win puts the hosts at the top of Group 1, which also features Gibraltar.
San Marino's win on Thursday brings their all-time record to 2 wins, 10 losses, and 199 total games played.
The report benefited from insights provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
