San Marino Make History With Their First Ever Competitive Win 20 Years And 140 Games Since Their Only Other

San Marino's Historic First Competitive Win

Breaking the 20-Year Winless Streak

On the 20th of November 2023, the tiny republic of San Marino made history by securing its first-ever competitive victory in international football. This momentous achievement came in the UEFA Nations League, where San Marino defeated Liechtenstein 1-0. The historic goal was scored by Filippo Berardi in the 77th minute.

A Long and Arduous Journey

San Marino had endured a 20-year winless streak in competitive matches before their historic win. They had played 140 games without a victory, making their success even more remarkable. To put this into perspective, San Marino had only scored 17 goals in those 140 matches.

Their previous best result was a 0-0 draw against Turkey in a friendly match in 2014. However, this was not considered a competitive fixture. The victory over Liechtenstein, therefore, marks a significant milestone in San Marino's footballing history.

Factors Contributing to the Historic Win

Improved Team Morale and Confidence

One of the key factors that contributed to San Marino's historic win was improved team morale and confidence. Under the guidance of new coach Franco Varrella, the team had developed a renewed sense of belief and determination.

Varrella had implemented a more attacking style of play, which allowed the team to create more scoring opportunities. He also instilled a sense of unity and cohesion within the squad, which was evident in their performance on the pitch.

Home Advantage

San Marino also benefited from playing the match at home. The game was held at the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle, which gave the team the advantage of familiar surroundings and the support of their fans.

The crowd played a crucial role in motivating the team and creating a positive atmosphere. The fans' unwavering belief and encouragement helped San Marino overcome the odds and secure the historic victory.

Reaction to the Historic Win

The historic win was met with widespread celebration and praise from the football community. San Marino's players and coaching staff were overjoyed, and the victory was hailed as a major breakthrough for the tiny nation.

Football fans around the world expressed their admiration and respect for the team's achievement. The victory was seen as a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination.