San Marino made history on Monday night, achieving a dramatic 3-1 victory over Liechtenstein to secure promotion to League C of the Nations League. The victory, which marks only their second-ever competitive win, was sealed by goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Alessandro Golinucci, and a penalty from Nicola Nanni.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz, San Marino staged an extraordinary comeback to top Group D1, finishing one point ahead of Gibraltar. This campaign also featured a 1-1 draw against Gibraltar last Friday, where Nanni scored another crucial penalty in stoppage time.
The triumph sent San Marino’s players charging onto the pitch in celebration, their joy palpable as they overcame their status as international football’s bottom-ranked team. The win also marked the first time San Marino scored three goals in an official match, with Golinucci’s decisive strike in the 76th minute coming from an impressive passing move—a moment once unimaginable for the side.
San Marino coach Roberto Cevoli praised his team’s determination and resilience after the match.
“Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football,” said Cevoli. “But the boys were brilliant and fully deserved this historic achievement.”
An emotional Marco Tura, president of the San Marino Football Federation, lauded the players’ efforts, describing the night as transformative for the team.
“Apart from the serious risk of heart attack, all I can say is these boys made history tonight,” Tura said, visibly moved. “As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth. I cried with the boys.”
San Marino’s promotion reflects progress following years of struggle and incremental improvements. Their first competitive win came just months ago, also against Liechtenstein in September. Moreover, the team has shown promise in recent friendly matches, securing draws against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
This Nations League campaign signals a turning point for San Marino, a team long considered underdogs in international football. For a nation accustomed to being on the wrong side of lopsided results, Monday's triumph is a testament to perseverance and growth, offering hope for the future.
