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World’s lowest-ranked team according to FIFA, San Marino registered their first win in 20 years on September 5. The world’s worst team as per the standings scripted history as they claimed their first ever competitive win. The side achieved the feat in the UEFA Nations League, where they took down Liechtenstein 1-0. The victory was also their second overall win in 140 matches as the last time they won a game was on April 28, 2004.
For those who don’t know, San Marino are a tiny country of barely 33,000 people and is surrounded by Italy. The side came into the match at their San Marino Stadium and aimed to register their win since 2004. Their first win also came against Liechtenstein in a friendly over 20 years ago. The match saw Liechtenstein’s goal getting disallowed for offside in the first half before their rivals pounced on a defensive error to clinch the victory in the 53rd minute through Nicko Sensoli.
Fundamental in every group was the team spirit: San Marino captain Matteo Vitaioli
Before the game, San Marino’s captain Matteo Vitaioli said the team spirit has played a fundamental role. He said, "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.” He added, "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."
San Marino win second game after Cristiano Ronaldo’s 891 goals
Apart from Marino’s historic win, the day also saw another historic chapter being written in the history of football. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football great, recorded his 900th goal as Portugal registered a 2-1 win over Croatia in the same tournament. Interestingly, on April 28, 2004, when San Marino had won their first game, Ronaldo had added 9 goals to his records. Twenty years later, when the side won their second game, Ronaldo came up with his 900th goal.
