“Apart from the serious risk of a heart attack, all I can say is that these boys have made history tonight,” Ansa news agency quoted the association’s visibly moved president, Marco Tura, as saying.
After falling behind, San Marino turned the game in their favor with goals from Lorenzo Lazzari (46th minute), Nicola Nanni (66th/penalty) and Alessandro Golinucci (76th).
“The game of a lifetime”
X’s account said the actors played “the game of their lives”. “It was an insult to football to end the first half 1-0, but the boys were brilliant and they deserved what they achieved,” said San Marino coach Cevoli.
The country surrounded by Italy, who are 210th and last in the FIFA world rankings ahead of currently unlisted Eritrea, had already won their first group game against Liechtenstein 1-0 at the beginning of September. Against the same opponent, San Marino won their last and only international match on April 28, 2004 (1-0).
– What previous achievements has San Marino Football accomplished on the international stage?
Interview: Historic Victory for San Marino in International Football
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where today we’re thrilled to discuss a monumental achievement in international football with Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Association. Marco, thank you for joining us today.
Marco Tura: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share this historic moment!
Editor: San Marino recently pulled off an astonishing comeback, winning their match after trailing at halftime. Can you tell us what this victory means for your team and the nation overall?
Marco Tura: Absolutely. This victory is monumental not just for our players but for our entire nation. We often find ourselves at the bottom of the FIFA ranking, so being able to turn a game around as we did against such tough odds is a source of immense pride. It shows that determination and teamwork can yield incredible results.
Editor: The game witnessed goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni, and Alessandro Golinucci, who propelled San Marino to victory. What is your take on their performance?
Marco Tura: Their performance was nothing short of extraordinary. As the coach, Cevoli mentioned, it was “the game of their lives.” I, too, felt it was a turning point. These young men showed not only skill but also heart, transforming the energy of the match after a challenging first half. Their resolve deserves recognition.
Editor: San Marino’s history in international football has had its ups and downs, with a notable win against Liechtenstein being a highlight. What implications does this recent win have for the future of San Marino football?
Marco Tura: This victory is a critical stepping stone for us. It boosts the morale of our players and sets a precedent for our future matches. We’re committed to developing talent at the grassroots level, and such achievements can inspire young footballers in San Marino. We hope this will help elevate our standing in international football.
Editor: You mentioned the youth and grassroots development. What practical advice would you give to aspiring footballers in smaller nations who may look up to San Marino’s recent success?
Marco Tura: My advice is to never underestimate the power of perseverance. Every footballer, regardless of their country’s ranking, should focus on honing their skills and nurturing their passion for the game. Building a strong community around football, investing time in training, and believing in the team spirit can make a significant difference.
Editor: In addition to local development, how can San Marino football engage more with international clubs or programs to enhance opportunities for local players?
Marco Tura: Collaborating with international clubs is vital for our growth. We are looking to establish partnerships that provide our players access to better coaching and competitive play. More visibility in international tournaments can also help us attract attention from scouts. It’s about creating pathways for our players to showcase their talent on larger stages.
Editor: as we look towards the next phase for San Marino football, what are your hopes for the team as you move forward from this landmark victory?
Marco Tura: My hope is that this win catalyzes a new era for San Marino football. I envision our players consistently competing at higher levels and gradually improving our ranking. Every match is a new opportunity, and as we build on our success, we aim not only to win but to represent our nation with pride and determination.
Editor: Thank you, Marco, for sharing your insights and the beautiful story of resilience and accomplishment from San Marino. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for your team!
Marco Tura: Thank you! We’re excited for what’s next!