When Was the Last Time San Marino Won a Game?

After two decades of waiting, San Marino finally secured their first competitive victory on Thursday, defeating Liechtenstein 1-0 in a Nations League match. The last time San Marino won a game was in April 2004, when they recorded a 1-0 friendly victory against the same opponent, Liechtenstein. Before this most recent victory, they endured a 140-match winless streak over nearly 20 years.

Seventeen years ago, San Marino captain Matteo Vitaioli first represented his national team, but despite his dedication and countless appearances, he never got to celebrate a victory—until now. Vitaioli’s career has spanned through almost two decades of heavy defeats and occasional near-misses, making this win against Liechtenstein all the more special for the team and their loyal fans.

Have San Marino Ever Won a Game?

Yes, San Marino had previously won a game, but it was a friendly match in 2004 against Liechtenstein. In that match, Andy Selva, the country's all-time leading goal scorer with eight goals, netted the decisive strike, giving San Marino their first and only win before Thursday's triumph. The question of whether San Marino had ever won a game has been a long-standing reminder of their struggles, but they can now proudly point to two victories, the latest being their first-ever competitive win.

This most recent victory came after 20 years of waiting, with Nicko Sensoli stepping up to become the hero of the day. His scrappy goal in the 53rd minute helped San Marino break their winless streak, and the celebrations at full-time were emotional and electric, reflecting the significance of the occasion.

Who Scored for San Marino?

San Marino’s winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein came courtesy of 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli. Sensoli capitalized on a defensive error by Liechtenstein’s Sandro Wieser, pouncing on the ball and firing it into the net. Though it wasn't the most polished finish, the San Marino team celebrated the goal as if they'd won the World Cup, piling on top of each other in wild joy. This marked San Marino’s first competitive win, and Sensoli became a national hero overnight.

Before this, Andy Selva had been the only player to lead San Marino to victory, scoring the sole goal in their 2004 friendly win over Liechtenstein. Selva's name has long been remembered for his contribution, but now, Sensoli joins him as a player who will forever be celebrated in San Marino's football history.

What Is the Population of San Marino?

San Marino is a tiny country, with a population of just 33,000 people. Surrounded by Italy and dominated by Mount Titano, it is the fifth-smallest country in the world, covering only 61 square kilometers. Despite its small size, San Marino is fiercely proud of its football team, which has faced many challenges on the international stage. Being ranked 210th out of 210 in the FIFA world rankings, the team is officially recognized as the world’s lowest-ranked national side.

The challenges faced by San Marino's players are unique. The majority of the team are amateurs, balancing full-time jobs with their football commitments. Captain Matteo Vitaioli, for instance, works as a graphic designer and trains in the evenings after his day job. His passion for representing his country drives him, even through heavy defeats and difficult moments.

San Marino’s struggles have been well documented, with painful losses, such as an 11-0 defeat to the Netherlands in 2011 and a 13-0 thrashing by Germany in 2006, marking some of the darkest days in the team’s history. However, moments like their recent victory over Liechtenstein, their first competitive win, and occasional small triumphs such as scoring a goal or holding out for a draw, keep the spirit of the team alive.

A Long Journey Filled with Hope and Perseverance

Matteo Vitaioli, who has been part of the team for 17 years, knows firsthand the challenges that come with representing San Marino. Despite the lack of victories, the pride of playing for his country has kept him going, and he continues to express optimism. "We are friends sharing the same honor, but also the same burden," Vitaioli once said, emphasizing the unity that has helped the team persevere through difficult times.

Recently, San Marino has shown signs of improvement. In a 2024 European Championship qualifier against Denmark, they scored their first competitive goal in two years, leading to scenes of jubilation, even though the match ended in a 2-1 loss. They followed that up by scoring in back-to-back games for the first time in 18 years, and Filippo Berardi’s penalty against Finland marked a historic third consecutive game with a goal. Despite the losses, these moments have given the team hope that better days are ahead.