As any seasoned Irish football fan knows, Liechtenstein can be an unexpectedly challenging destination. In June 1995, Jack Charlton led a Republic of Ireland squad, ranked ninth globally, to face a team of part-timers in a Euro 96 qualifier. The Liechtenstein side, featuring a mix of bankers, a draughtsman, a wine grower, a mechanic, a builder, and a postman, had only one professional player, Mario Frick. The match took place in the 4,500-capacity Sportpark-Eschen Mauren, packed with Irish fans anticipating a rout. Instead, they applauded the home team's lap of honor after a scoreless draw, leaving Ireland embarrassed by their 40 missed shots.
Football celebrations are rare in Liechtenstein, but nearly three decades later, it was the visiting team's turn to celebrate at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz. San Marino, ranked as the worst international football team, achieved what Ireland couldn't years ago: scoring three goals for the first time and securing promotion to the third tier of the Nations League. Known for scoring against England within nine seconds in a 1993 World Cup qualifier, San Marino arrived in Vaduz with 199 defeats in 211 fixtures and no away wins. Despite the odds, they secured their third victory, all against Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein led in the first half but couldn't respond to goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni, and Alessandro Golinucci. Manager Roberto Cevoli praised his team, saying, “Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved their achievement.” Marco Tura, head of the San Marino football federation, added, “These boys made history. As people, athletes, and men, they have shown their worth. I cried with the boys.” This victory, the greatest in San Marino's football history, also validated the Nations League, which provides a meaningful measure of progress for teams that rarely win, as England, Northern Ireland, and San Marino have demonstrated this week.
Join Scott Murray from 7.45pm GMT for live coverage of Wales 2-0 Iceland in the Nations League.
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