The worst team in the world has achieved promotion to League C after breaking several of its records against Liechtenstein.
San Marino, the worst team in the FIFA rankings (210th), has changed its fate. The victory against Liechtenstein (1-0) allowed them to win again 20 years and 140 matches later. It was, as if that were not enough, their first victory in an official match.
The ‘Serenissima’, which has just over 33,000 inhabitants, has done it again. The victory, again against Liechtenstein (1-3), allows them to move up a category… for the first time in their history!!! They leave League D to play in League C of the Nations League, the third division of European football.
The match, played in Vaduz, started badly for San Marino, who found themselves behind after an early goal from Liechtenstein. However, the team’s resilience allowed them to fight back with some remarkable tactical display and goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci. These players led a collective effort that demonstrated the team’s progress under the guidance of their coach, Roberto Cevoli.
This victory is particularly significant for San Marino, a team that for decades occupied the bottom spot in the FIFA rankings and whose history is marked by long streaks without victories. Since 2004, they had only achieved one official victory, until in 2024 they managed to reverse that narrative with two consecutive victories in the Nations League.
The victory symbolizes not only a sporting advance, but also a change in the team’s mentality. San Marino showed that, despite its limitations, hard work and determination can overcome expectations and break historical barriers.
San Marino have finished this first phase with seven points from four games, after losing 1-0 in Gibraltar, drawing 1-1 at home against the same opponent and winning both games against Liechtenstein. In this final match, they were playing for everything and responded with the best victory of their entire career: 1-3.
Curiously, San Marino’s other victory had come in 2004, also against Liechtenstein. Three wins in their entire history, and always against the same opponent. The statistics are devastating: 212 games played, with 3 wins, 10 draws and 199 losses. And the goal-scoring balance, another reason to blush: 39 goals scored and 833 conceded.
A victory, a comeback and a promotion for the history books. San Marino will never forget November 18, 2024.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
