A small country in a very big one football-Happiness.
In the Nations League D, San Marino (which has just around 34,000 inhabitants) won 3-1 in Liechtenstein on Monday evening. For the bottom of the FIFA world rankings (210th place!), the first away win in history even means promotion.
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Marco Tura (68), the president of the San Marino Football Federation: “Apart from being in serious danger of a heart attack, all I can say is that these boys made history tonight. As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth. I cried with the boys.”
Things initially didn’t look good for the dwarf state. The hosts took the lead through Sele shortly before half-time (40′), and San Marino threatened their second defeat in the fourth game.
video-heading">Opponent can’t believe it – amateur footballer just falls over
Those: instagram @undertheradarfc19.11.2024
But Lazzari (46th), Nanni (66th) and Golinucci (76th) brought their team back and secured victory.
San Marino coach Roberto Cevoli (55): “Ending the first half 0-1 was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they achieved.”
By the way: With the 3-1 win, San Marino scored three goals for the first time and won a game by a two-goal difference for the first time.
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And: Liechtenstein is the only team that San Marino has won against so far. In 2004 there was a 1-0 draw in the friendly, two months ago another 1-0 draw in the Nations League and now it’s 3-1. It’s promotion to the C league of the Nations League.
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And even more! San Marino can now also dream of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico. In qualifying (until March 2026), the 54 European national teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four or five teams. The 12 group winners qualify directly for the tournament. The twelve runners-up make it to the playoffs. In addition, the four best group winners in the Nations League, who do not occupy one of the top two places in their World Cup qualifying group, will also receive a place in the playoffs. And that’s where San Marino comes into play.
If enough Nations League group winners go straight to the final round or the playoffs via the regular qualification route, San Marino could get a place.
What historical significance did this football match hold for San Marino?
Interviewer: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We have two special guests with us today to discuss a historic football match that took place recently. On our left, we have Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Federation, and on our right, we have Roberto Cevoli, the coach of the San Marino national team. Thank you both for joining us today.
Interviewer: Marco, you were quite emotional after the match talking about your players making history. How did it feel to witness this momentous occasion?
Marco Tura: It was an incredible feeling, interviewer. As someone who has been heavily involved in San Marino football for a long time, this victory meant so much more than just winning a game. It was an emotional outburst because we knew what they had achieved, and it was truly a proud moment for everyone associated with San Marino football. These boys represented their country on the biggest stage, and they did not disappoint.
Interviewer: Roberto, you’ve been coaching San Marino for a while now. How did you approach this game knowing that it was such an important one for the team?
Roberto Cevoli: Winning this game was crucial for us. We knew that we needed to step up our game if we wanted to secure promotion, and the boys understood that. We worked hard in training and focused on our weaknesses. Credit goes to the players for executing the game plan perfectly and putting in a fantastic performance.
Interviewer: Marco, the players you mentioned worked extremely hard to secure this victory. What changed in their approach from the previous games?
Marco Tura: I believe the players realized the importance of this game. They knew that this was their chance to make history and they gave it their all. There was a sense of determination and focus that we hadn’t seen before, and it showed on the field. They deserve all the praise for their effort.
Interviewer: Roberto, the turnaround after half-time must have been incredible for you. How did you manage to motivate your players during the break?
Roberto Cevoli: I just reminded them of what was at stake and urged them to believe in themselves. They are a talented bunch, and I knew they could do it. I also made a few tactical
