San Marino makes history with Liechtenstein win

  • San Marino clinched its first-ever competitive win, and its first victory in over 20 years, by beating Liechtenstein 1-0 in its UEFA Nations League opener.

San Marino, whose only previous victory came in a friendly against the same opponent in April 2004, sealed the historic result courtesy of Nicko Sensoli's 53rd-minute strike.

Sensoli pounced on a defensive mix-up to prod into an unguarded net and spark wild celebrations in Serravalle, then the host held on through seven anxious minutes of second-half stoppage time to go top of Nations League Group D1.

The team, 210th in the FIFA Rankings, had previously won just one of 205 full internationals, and the full-time whistle sparked joyous celebrations as coach Roberto Cevoli and his staff ran onto the pitch.

San Marino is next in action in a friendly on Wdnesday, when it visits Moldova.