World's lowest-ranked nation ends 20-year, 140-match winless streak
Two decades, 140 games, zero wins.
San Marino, the world’s fifth-smallest country, has secured its first victory in more than 20 years, a 1-0 triumph over European rivals Liechtenstein in Serravalle.
Ranked 210th on the FIFA men’s rankings, San Marino had not won an international match since April 2004, another 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
In the two decades since, San Marino has recorded 134 defeats and six draws, including a 13-0 thrashing by Germany in 2006, an 11-0 loss to the Netherlands in 2011 and a 10-0 loss to England in 2021.
However, after 20 years of crushing defeats and near misses, San Marino broke the drought in a UEFA Nations League clash on Friday morning AEST.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
Teenage midfielder Nicko Sensoli, who represents Sangiuliano in Serie D, pounced on a defensive mistake from Liechtenstein’s Sandro Wieser in the 53rd minute, prodding the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel.
The goal sparked scenes of jubilation at San Marino Stadium, with celebrations continuing after the full-time siren.
Liechtenstein, ranked 199th in the world, now has a 40-match winless streak.
San Marino, which has a population of about 33,000 and covers 61 square kilometres in northeastern Italy, will next face Moldova on Tuesday.
