Selva the saviour for San Marino

Wednesday 28 April 2004
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Andy Selva - San Marino's first-ever matchwinnerAndy Selva - San Marino's first-ever matchwinner (©empics 2001)

San Marino 1-0 Liechtenstein
Andy Selva's fifth-minute goal proved the decider as San Marino gained their first-ever full international win after more than 70 attempts.

Historic win
San Marino, who did not score in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying, had drawn 2-2 in Liechtenstein when these sides met for the first time this year, but this time secured victory as Martin Andermatt's debut as Liechtenstein coach ended in defeat.

'I am delighted'
"I am delighted to have scored the winner," said Selva. "It's a historic goal for San Marino and also for me." The world's second smallest republic, San Marino made their unofficial international bow in 1986 with a 1-0 defeat against the Canadian Olympic side. Their competitive debut came four years later, a 4-0 UEFA European Championship loss against Switzerland.

World Cup preparation
Both sides were using the game as preparation for the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Liechtenstein will play against Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Russia and Slovakia, while the doubtless reinvigorated San Marino face Spain, Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Lithuania.

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