San Marino have reached an undesired anniversary – it’s been 20 years since their one and only win. With a population of less than 40,000, the microstate in northern Italy have little to work with.
And that shows in their results on the pitch. Since their first international match in November 1990, they’ve recorded just the solitary victory – beating fellow minnows Liechtenstein 1-0 on this day (April 28) in 2004.
In charge at the time was Giampaolo Mazza, the national team manager from 1998 to 2013 who otherwise worked as a PE teacher. His side made a fast start to the game, winning a promising free kick just six minutes in which captain Andy Selva – the country’s all-time top scorer to this day with eight goals – stepped up to take.
San Marino shot stopper Federico Gasperoni had to work hard to keep his clean sheet intact. He made a big save with his face later in the first half.
Liechtenstein threatened his goal again after the restart with a free-kick from range going just wide. San Marino also had chances to double their lead, with a volley in the box going over the bar and Selva having a stonewall penalty turned down, instead being booked for diving.
