San Marino achieved a monumental victory on Thursday night, ending a 20-year drought with their first competitive win in international football. This historic 1-0 victory came against Liechtenstein, the same opponent they had defeated back in 2004 in a friendly match. The hero of the night was 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli, who scored the match-winning goal in the 61st minute.
Sensoli capitalized on a defensive error by Liechtenstein, seizing Giacomo Benvenuti’s hopeful pass and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel. His goal marked his competitive debut, adding to the significance of the moment. The scenes that followed were nothing short of euphoric, as fans and players alike celebrated a long-awaited moment of national pride.
Nervous Moments as San Marino Held Their Nerve
After Sensoli’s goal, San Marino faced a tense final half-hour. Though they had chances to extend their lead, nerves began to set in as Liechtenstein pushed for an equalizer. Winger Andrea Contadini came close to doubling the lead in the 75th minute, but his attempt to beat Buchel at the near post was unsuccessful. The team’s defensive resolve was tested, with Lorenzo Capicchioni giving up a needless corner and the home fans biting their nails as the minutes ticked away.
As the game approached its conclusion, substitute Marcello Mularoni and Samuele Zannoni both had opportunities to score, but San Marino held firm. Teenager Tomasso Benvenuti’s heroic run deep into stoppage time earned a crucial free-kick, helping his side secure a historic win. The final whistle brought immense relief, ending the longest winless streak in international football.
A Turning Point for San Marino’s Football Future
This victory not only ended years of heartbreak but also placed San Marino at the top of their Nations League group, ahead of teams like Gibraltar. Despite their modest footballing history, there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding this team. Under head coach Roberto Cevoli, the squad has seen significant improvement, having scored six goals in their last nine matches. This contrasts sharply with the mere five goals they had managed in their previous 36 games.
As San Marino prepares for a friendly against Moldova, the win against Liechtenstein has given the nation a newfound confidence. While future challenges lie ahead, for now, San Marino can revel in this triumph. This long-awaited win has brought joy to the 32,000-strong population of the micro-state, and it will be remembered as a defining moment in the country’s footballing history.
San Marino Defies Odds After Years of Heavy Defeats
For San Marino, a team accustomed to heavy defeats, Thursday’s victory was a monumental achievement. The team has endured one of the most challenging records in international football, losing 196 of their 206 fixtures. Their most notable loss came in November 2021, when they were thrashed 10-0 by England in a World Cup qualifier.
Despite these setbacks, the team has shown gradual signs of improvement. In October 2023, San Marino scored their first competitive goal in two years but narrowly lost 2-1 to Denmark in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Earlier this year, they held Caribbean side Saint Kitts and Nevis to a 0-0 draw, hinting at progress within the squad. Their latest victory further demonstrates that even the smallest teams can defy the odds.
A Historic Victory for a Tiny Nation
San Marino, a microstate surrounded by Italy and overlooked by Mount Titano, boasts a population of just 33,000 people and covers only 61 square kilometers. Despite their size, this small nation has proven that determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.
With this latest victory, San Marino has secured only their second win in international football, providing a much-needed morale boost for the team and its fans. The triumph has been widely celebrated as a testament to perseverance in the face of overwhelming challenges.
