Imagine being part of the Worst Team History in international football, a side that has lost 196 of the 205 fixtures they have contested, with only one win to their name. This is the harsh reality for San Marino, the world’s worst national football team, ranked 210th in the Fifa world rankings. The team’s captain, Matteo Vitaioli, has been a part of this struggling team for 17 years, and despite the challenges, he remains committed to the cause.
San Marino’s situation is unique, with a population of just 33,000 and a land area of only 61 square kilometers, roughly half the size of Manchester. The team is made up of predominantly amateur players, who have to balance their football careers with their everyday lives. Vitaioli, a graphic designer by day, is well-rehearsed in balancing his international football career with the demands of his day job.
San Marino’s Fighting Spirit
Despite the overwhelming odds against them, San Marino’s players take immense pride in wearing the nation’s sky blue kit. Vitaioli’s love for the national team and the opportunity to play international football drives him to continue playing, even in the face of adversity. The team’s spirit is a testament to their dedication and commitment to the cause.
The team’s recent performances have shown signs of progress, with San Marino ending a two-year wait for a competitive goal to equalize against Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark in October. They then made it goals in back-to-back games for the first time in 18 years by also netting in a 3-1 loss to Kazakhstan. This newfound momentum has given the team hope that they may be getting closer to achieving their first competitive victory.
New manager Roberto Cevoli, appointed in January, is keen to build on this momentum and change the narrative. Cevoli, who is proud to lead his home country, is driven to give something back to football in San Marino after beginning his playing and managerial careers there. He is eager to end the 20-year wait for a second victory and make history for the team.
The Road to Progress
San Marino’s players have faced numerous challenges throughout their careers, from painful double-figure defeats to the biggest a 13-0 thrashing by Germany in 2006. However, the humble backgrounds of the players have helped them stick together, and they have found ways to celebrate small moments, such as scoring an inconsequential goal in a heavy defeat or even securing a goalless draw.
Matteo Vitaioli’s happiest memory with the team was a goalless draw with Estonia in 2014, which remains the team’s only point in European Championship qualifiers. This moment, though small, is a testament to the team’s fighting spirit and their ability to find joy in adversity.
San Marino’s Quest for Victory
With Liechtenstein visiting in their Nations League opener, San Marino has the chance to claim their first ever competitive victory against the only opponent they have ever beaten. The two teams are only 11 spots apart in the Fifa world rankings, with Liechtenstein 199th on that list and currently on a 40-match winless streak.
The match is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for San Marino to write a new chapter in their history. Vitaioli, who has been part of the national team for almost 20 years, is keen to be part of the next San Marino team to celebrate a victory. The team is hoping to build on their recent progress and create a moment that will go down in folklore.
The match against Liechtenstein is also an opportunity for San Marino to show the world that they are more than just the worst team in international football. They have a talented squad, with players like Filippo Berardi, the nation’s joint-second highest scorer with two goals, who have the potential to cause an upset.
From Humble Beginnings
San Marino’s football team has a rich history, despite their recent struggles. The team’s sole victory remains that 1-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein in April 2004, when an early goal from Andy Selva, the nation’s all-time leading scorer with eight goals, sealed a moment that would go down in folklore.
The team has come a long way since then, with players like Vitaioli and Berardi becoming iconic figures in San Marino’s football history. The team’s journey, though marked by defeat, is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
A New Chapter for San Marino
As San Marino takes on Liechtenstein in their Nations League opener, the team is eager to write a new chapter in their history. With their recent progress and newfound momentum, they have the potential to cause an upset and claim their first ever competitive victory.
The team’s journey is not just about results; it’s about the players’ commitment to the cause and their dedication to the sport. They are more than just a team; they are a community, united by their love for football and their desire to succeed.
As the match approaches, the team is focused on creating a moment that will be remembered for years to come. They are ready to put everything on the line and give it their all in pursuit of victory. Will they be able to achieve their dream and create history? Only time will tell.