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San Marino break 14 year duck
It's been fourteen years since they played their first ever international match in 1990. During that entire time San Marino had failed to get anything better than a few of draws in their matches. However that changed on Wednesday, 28th April, 2004 when they measured up against Liechtenstein.
It's a night that will go down in history as the nations first ever victory in an international football match when they defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 thanks to a 5th minute goal from their only professional player, Andy Selva.
Only 700 people were on hand to witness the historic night but they were all celebrating like crazy when Selva netted the only goal of the match.
"I'm delighted to have scored the winner. It's an historic goal for San Marino and also for me," said Selva (www.fifaworldcup.com)
In other friendlies during the FIFA date, Germany were embarassed by Romania when they lost to the non-Euro 2004 nation 5-1! Oliver Khan, while not entirely at fault, was subbed off at half time thanks to a depressing 4-0 deficit at the break. The world cup hosts now look extremely shaky going into the European championships later this year.
Brazil managed their first ever win over Hungary in a 4-1 thumping in Bucharest. Luis Fabiano scored twice along side Kaka and Ronaldinho for the South Americans while Hungary's lone goal came in the 57th minute through Sandor Torghelle.
Euro 2004 hosts Portugal played out a 2-2 draw against Sweden thanks to an injury time goal from Nuno Gomes. Pauleta also scored an equiliser for Portugal while Sweden's Kim Kallstrom and Rui Jorge netted for the visitors. Portugal had their chance to take the win however but Luis Figo missed from the penalty spot earlier in the night.
30 April, 2004 |
