San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory over Liechtenstein

San Marino Celebrates Historic Win After Two Decades of Drought

In an unforgettable match that will be etched in the annals of football history, San Marino, widely regarded as the world's worst-ranked football team, secured an extraordinary 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in the UEFA Nations League. This monumental win is not just another statistic; it represents the culmination of years of perseverance, dedication, and relentless hope from a team and its passionate supporters, who have endured twenty long years without seeing their team taste victory.

This landmark event took place in a well-contested match where 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli emerged as the hero. Marking only his fourth senior international appearance, Sensoli scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute. It was a moment of sheer jubilation not only for the young footballer but also for the entire nation of San Marino, with its modest population of just 33,000 inhabitants. Ranked 210th by FIFA, the team had an all-time record of 2 wins, 10 draws, and 199 losses before this breakthrough game. Their last victory was a friendly against the same opponent, Liechtenstein, in April 2004.

The Long Wait Ends

For two decades, San Marino's fans have been longing to witness their team triumph. Many football enthusiasts, especially the unique group of ultras known as 'Brigata Mai 1 Gioia' (Never Any Joy Brigade), mainly from neighboring Italy, have been unwavering in their support. These fans are known for their fervent dedication, traveling long distances to support their team regardless of the outcome. When Sensoli's goal crossed the line, it wasn't just a moment of victory; it symbolized the end of years of waiting, hoping, and cheering despite numerous disappointments.

Signs of Improvement

This victory did not come out of nowhere. The San Marino team had recently shown commendable progress, managing to score goals in consecutive matches against formidable teams like Denmark, Kazakhstan, and Finland during their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. Although these efforts didn't end in victories, they signaled a shift in the team's dynamics and performance. Under the guidance of Fabrizio Costantini, who took over as head coach in November 2021, the team began to exhibit a newfound sense of confidence and tactical discipline.

Coaching Change and Tactical Mastery

The appointment of Fabrizio Costantini was a pivotal factor in San Marino's resurgence. Costantini brought with him a strategic approach tailored to leverage the strengths of his players while meticulously addressing their weaknesses. His coaching philosophy centered on building a resilient defense, coupled with swift counter-attacks, a strategy that paid off splendidly against Liechtenstein. Under his leadership, the team's morale has been notably high, a crucial element that was evident in their recent matches.

Widespread Celebration and Joy

The euphoria of victory was not confined to the borders of San Marino. The emotional resonance of this win extended to supporters across the globe. Fans from the U.K., U.S., Argentina, and other nations joined in the celebrations, sharing the joy of this long-awaited triumph on social media and in local gatherings. For many of these fans, who had never seen San Marino win before, this victory was a poignant moment filled with tears, laughter, and heartfelt reflection.

The celebration saw fans flooding the streets, waving flags, singing, and reveling in a moment they had dreamt about for years. Among the revelers were seasoned fans who had witnessed the team's struggle over decades, as well as younger supporters, some of whom had never seen San Marino win a match in their lifetime. Emotional scenes played out as fans embraced, commemorated the win, and shared their personal stories and memories of supporting the team through thick and thin.

Looking Forward

Buoyed by this historic victory, the spirit in the San Marino camp is at an all-time high. Fans and players alike are now eagerly anticipating the reverse fixture against Liechtenstein in November, with aspirations of building on this success. The win has not only instilled a renewed sense of belief among the players but has also inspired the fans to envision a brighter future for their national team.

Team President Marco Tura and Coach Fabrizio Costantini have both expressed that the UEFA Nations League was their best shot at securing a win due to the competitive parity among lower-ranked teams. They were proven right. For the people of San Marino, this victory transcends football; it offers a fresh sense of pride and hope, symbolizing the rewards of steadfast resilience and unyielding support.

This unforgettable 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein has set a new precedent for San Marino's football journey. It serves as a testament to what can be achieved with consistent effort, strategic foresight, and the undying support of loyal fans. As the nation celebrates this unprecedented milestone, the next chapter of San Marino's football story continues to unfold, offering excitement, potential, and most importantly, hope.