‘World’s worst football team’ San Marino win first ever away match and historic UEFA Nations League promotion | OneFootball

San Marino, officially the world’s lowest ranked football team, etched their name in history by securing their first ever away win and a remarkable promotion to UEFA Nations League C.

The achievement marks a turning point for the European minnows, who have won just three games in the last 20 years.

Goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci sealed a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein. This win was their second triumph this season and only their second victory since 2004. It also marked another milestone, as it was the first time San Marino scored more than two goals in a match since their debut international fixture in 1987.

San Marino topped their group in the Nations League D, finishing ahead of rivals Gibraltar and Liechtenstein. With a population of just 30,000 and a long history of heavy defeats against European giants like England (10-0 in 2021) and Germany (13-0 in 2006), this success offers a rare moment of celebration for the team ranked 210th in FIFA’s standings.

For head coach Roberto Cevoli and his squad, this achievement represents a new chapter. While promotion will bring tougher competition, the players and fans can take pride in what is the nation’s greatest footballing accomplishment.

As a team that has often gone entire qualification cycles without scoring, San Marino’s triumph resonates as a testament to perseverance and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

“As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth,” boss Cevoli said. “I cried with the boys.”