San Marino’s national football team etched their name in history on September 5, 2024, securing a momentous 1-0 victory against Liechtenstein in a UEFA Nations League match. This triumph marks their first win in an official competition in 20 years and only the second victory ever for the tiny European nation.The hero of the hour was 19-year-old forward Nicko Sensoli, who netted the winning goal in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Liechtenstein. As the final whistle blew, emotions ran high, with players and fans alike celebrating this long-awaited achievement.”When the final whistle blew, I knew the joy had no limits,” Sensoli remarked after the match.This victory carries profound significance for San Marino, a nation of approximately 33,000 people. It ends a staggering 140-match winless streak in official competitions, the longest in the history of international football. San Marino, currently ranked 210th in FIFA’s world rankings, had previously tasted victory only once – in a friendly match against the same opponent, Liechtenstein, on April 28, 2004.The win also propels San Marino to an unprecedented position at the top of their Nations League group. National coach Roberto Cevoli, who took the helm in March, has seen his record improve to one win, one draw, and three losses.”It’s a great test for the team, and we can finally celebrate this amazing milestone,” said Cevoli.The victory has resonated beyond San Marino’s borders, capturing the attention of the international football community. As statistics expert Mister Chip noted, “This is a historic result that will be remembered for a long time”.San Marino will aim to build on this momentum in their next match against Moldova on September 10. For now, however, the team and nation are basking in the glow of a victory two decades in the making.
Key points
- San Marino’s national football team won their first official match in 20 years, defeating Liechtenstein 1-0 in a UEFA Nations League game.
- 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli scored the winning goal in the 53rd minute.
- This victory ends San Marino’s 140-match winless streak in official competitions.
- San Marino, ranked 210th in FIFA rankings, now leads their Nations League group for the first time.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the reported length of San Marino’s winless streak, with some sources citing 140 matches and others mentioning 141 matches.
