Absolutely no one would have even bet on a San Marino victory this year. And now the Titani finished 2024 with a second victory against Liechtenstein, synonymous with promotion to League C!
If the League of Nations struggles to generate passion at the highest level, the great stories are written lower down. For “small” teams who have the opportunity to face teams of their level and gauge their progress without being slapped at each international break, the Nations League has a real sporting interest.
And it is thus in League D that the feat of 2024 took place. San Marinolong considered the “worst team in the world” and stuck in 210th and last place in the world rankings, won their second match of the calendar year against Liechtenstein (1-3).
The victory in the first leg (1-0) against Liechtenstein already put an end to a series of 140 (!) matches without winning, and was San Marino’s first victory in an official match. This away victory is the first time in their history that the Titans score three goals in the same match.
Having already won a draw at home against Gibraltar last Friday, the San Marino finished in first place in their group with 7 units… and are therefore promoted to Nations League C. There, they will be able to test themselves against opponents of another caliber.
In the next FIFA rankings, this international break during which San Marino remained undefeated (again, a first) should change history and allow them to leave the world “red lantern”.
