San Marino, the lowest-ranked team in the world according to FIFA, achieved their first competitive win by defeating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, ending a 20-year victory drought. The small nation, with a population of about 30,000, celebrated the monumental moment at their home ground, San Marino Stadium.
San Marino entered the match in search of a win since their last 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a friendly in 2004. Ranked 210th by FIFA, San Marino surprisingly overcame the 199th-ranked Liechtenstein.
In the first half, Liechtenstein appeared to score, but their goal was disallowed for offside after a close decision. In the 53rd minute, San Marino capitalized on a defensive error, and 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli scored the historic winner. Sensoli had not been born when San Marino last secured a victory, as per AFP report.
San Marino had shown hints of improvement in recent years, securing draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. This victory marks their first competitive win, ending a long streak of defeats and struggles.
In the UEFA Nations League, San Marino competes in League D, Group 1, alongside Liechtenstein and Gibraltar. This win not only marks a historic achievement for San Marino but also offers hope for future success on the international stage.
