San Marino Stuns Liechtenstein to Secure Historic Nations League Promotion

San Marino made history on Monday night with a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Liechtenstein, earning promotion to League C of the UEFA Nations League for the first time. 

The triumph, achieved at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz, marked only their second-ever competitive win and solidified their position as Group D1 winners.  

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, San Marino turned the match around in stunning fashion. Lorenzo Lazzari and Alessandro Golinucci each scored crucial goals, while Nicola Nanni sealed the win with a composed penalty. Golinucci’s decisive strike in the 76th minute, the culmination of an impressive passing move, symbolized the transformation of a team long synonymous with defeats.  

San Marino coach Roberto Cevoli praised his players for their resilience and performance. “Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they’ve managed to achieve,” Cevoli said after the match.  

This victory caps a remarkable campaign for San Marino, who began the competition with just one competitive win in their history—ironically, also against Liechtenstein in September. The microstate’s national team, ranked lowest in international football, edged out Gibraltar by a single point to finish atop Group D1. A last-minute Nanni penalty had salvaged a crucial 1-1 draw against Gibraltar on Friday, setting the stage for Monday’s heroics.  

For a team accustomed to being the underdog, the 3-1 win is a watershed moment. It was the first time San Marino scored three goals in an official match, and the final whistle triggered jubilant scenes. Players charged onto the pitch in celebration, joined by an emotional Marco Tura, president of the San Marino Football Federation.  

“Apart from suffering the serious risk of heart attack, all I can say is that these boys made history tonight,” said Tura. “As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth… I cried with the boys.”  

San Marino’s rise has been gradual but noticeable. Recent friendly draws against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis hinted at a team gaining confidence. Monday’s victory not only cements their status as Nations League success stories but also offers hope for a brighter future.  

For the tiny nation of just over 33,000 people, this is more than a sporting milestone—it’s a moment of pride and proof that perseverance pays off.