San Marino have finally ended their long wait for a second victory in international football after beating Liechtenstein 1-0.
FIFA’s bottom-ranked side haven’t won a game since beating the same opposition in a friendly match all the way back in 2004. However, Nicko Sensoli’s goal earned them their maiden competitive win to spark wild scenes of jubilation.
Sensoli’s status as a national hero was confirmed on Thursday night when he scored the game’s only goal eight minutes into the second half.
The victory means San Marino now sit atop their Nations League group with a perfect three points from a possible three.
The game’s deciding moment came in the 53rd minute when Liechtenstein centre-back Sandro Wieser failed to clear the danger and Sensoli slipped in behind the defence to poke in a clumsy finish.
Liechtenstein had more ball possession and registered eight shots, but none of them found the target and the side ranked 210th out of 210 nations by FIFA sealed their first ever competitive win.
Speaking before the game, San Marino captain Matteo Vitaioli, who had never tasted victory – despite being the nation’s record appearance maker – told the BBC: “I have been part of the national team for almost 20 years. Fundamental in every group was the team spirit, the capacity of the players to make a team.
“When you are playing tough matches, they can become complicated, and if you cannot rely on a solid group those games can hurt badly. We are friends sharing the same honour – but also the same burden.”
