The joy of San Marino's footballers knew no bounds. © FSGC

More victorious than ever: The fairytale of San Marino

The national football team of the small state of San Marino will certainly never forget this season of the Nations League: After the surprising first victory in more than 20 years in September, coach Roberto Cevoli's team celebrated its next success.

19 November 2024

From: fop

The 3-1 win against Liechtenstein enabled the small country to gain promotion to League C thanks to its second competitive win in history.

“Apart from the serious risk of a heart attack, all I can say is that these guys made history tonight,” said the visibly moved association president Marco Tura, who was told by the news agency Handle cited.

"The boys were brilliant." coach Roberto Cevoli

San Marino had turned the game in their favour after falling behind thanks to goals from Lorenzo Lazzari (46th minute), Nicola Nanni (66th/penalty) and Alessandro Golinucci (76th).

"Finishing the first half 0-1 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they achieved," said San Marino coach Cevoli.

San Marino's starting eleven for the return match in Liechtenstein. © FSGC

The country, which is surrounded by Italy and is in 210th place in the FIFA world rankings, ahead of the currently unlisted country Eritrea, had already won its first group match against Liechtenstein 1-0 at the beginning of September. San Marino had achieved its last and only victory in an international match against the same opponent on 28 April 2004 (1-0).