Every drought has its end - it took them only 34 years and 177 attempts to solve theirs
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 06.09.24. | 09:45
San Marino defeated Lichtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night for their first-ever competitive win
How long does it take you to give up on something you really care about?
Well, we're quite sure you're not persistent and patient like San Marino, nor even close to that.
Those charming minnows situated and surrounded by Italy have been competing in various competitions under the UEFA ever since 1990 and haven't recorded a single competitive win. Until last night.
San Marino defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 in the Nations League's fourth tier, securing their first-ever competitive victory after 34 years of trying.
🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL. SAN MARINO WIN A COMPETITIVE MATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! 🚨
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) September 5, 2024
It's victory and SCENES at the full-time whistle! 🇸🇲#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/eZ0bBJuyz2
Their only previous victory - also a 1-0 win over Liechtenstein - came in a 2004 friendly. The national team's competitive record before Thursday's win read: won zero, drawn five, lost 171.
Thankfully, then came Lichtenstein again and Nicko Sensoli, who scored the winner in Serravalle in the 53rd minute on Thursday night (the guy wasn't even born the last time San Marino recorded a win against the same opponent!).
The hosts held on for eight minutes of injury time to win, sparking wild celebrations for the team currently ranked 210th and last in Fifa's world rankings.
🇸🇲 SAN MARINO WIN A GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20+ YEARS & A COMPETITIVE MATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!
— The Sweeper (@SweeperPod) September 5, 2024
History is made as the worst team in the FIFA rankings (210th) finally end the longest winless run in international football history (140 games dating back to April 2004)!!! pic.twitter.com/xbB3M2WQUE
TOP OF THE LEAGUE. pic.twitter.com/WEl1Xq50gK
— San Marino fan account (@SanMarino_FA) September 5, 2024
