San Marino’s Missed Opportunity for First Win in 20 Years against Caribbean Underdogs
San Marino, ranked as the worst national football team by FIFA rankings, has had a long-standing drought without a win. With a population of just 33,000 and a land mass half the size of Manchester, the microstate has struggled to make a mark in international football. However, recent performances have shown some signs of improvement, with goals in each of their last three games, including against strong opponents like Denmark.
The match against Saint Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean side ranked 63 places above San Marino, presented a great opportunity for the team to finally end their 20-year wait for a win. The bookies even favored San Marino to come out on top in the match held in Serravalle.
The game started well for San Marino when Filippo Berardi scored a penalty in the 21st minute, putting the hosts in the lead. Fans were ecstatic, with one expressing their excitement on social media. However, the joy was short-lived as Tyquan Terrell equalized for Saint Kitts and Nevis in the 31st minute. Just before half-time, Andre Burley netted a second goal for the visitors, further dampening San Marino’s hopes of a comeback. The final blow came in the 49th minute when Harry Panayiotou scored a third goal for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The match ended with a disappointing 3-1 scoreline, extending San Marino’s winless streak to 137 games. This result meant that Liechtenstein and Anguilla could breathe a sigh of relief as their joint record of 35 games without a win remained intact. San Marino’s only win in their history came against Liechtenstein in 2004.
San Marino captain Matteo Vitaioli, who made his debut 17 years ago, expressed his disappointment but remained hopeful. He sees the upcoming rematch as an opportunity for redemption and a chance to be part of the history of his home country’s national team.
The double-header against Saint Kitts and Nevis provides a second chance for San Marino to end their winless run. Vitaioli believes that a victory would leave a lasting impact and be remembered for years to come due to the scarcity of wins in the team’s history.
San Marino’s quest for a win continues, and they will look to make amends in the upcoming match. Despite the disappointment of the recent loss, there is still hope that the team can turn their fortunes around and secure a long-awaited victory.
Overall, San Marino’s performance against Saint Kitts and Nevis showcased their determination and improvement in recent years. While the win may have eluded them on this occasion, their progress is evident, and they will continue to strive for success on the international stage.