Liechtenstein 1-3 San Marino: Visitors earn promotion with first ever away win

San Marino secured promotion to League D of the Nations League with a historic 3-1 win at Liechtenstein

Victory was San Marino's first ever away win in the Nations League.

San Marino, the smallest nation in UEFA, produced a shock result on Sunday as they beat Liechtenstein 3-1 in Vaduz to secure promotion to League D of the Nations League. It was San Marino's first ever away win in the competition, and their first victory over Liechtenstein in any match since 2004

San Marino took the lead in the 10th minute through Filippo Berardi's penalty and doubled their advantage just before half-time when Nicola Nanni pounced on a mistake by Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel.

Liechtenstein pulled a goal back through Noah Frick early in the second half, but San Marino restored their two-goal lead through Giovanni Bonini in the 77th minute.

Victory means San Marino will play in League D of the Nations League next season, while Liechtenstein will remain in League E.

"It's an incredible feeling," said San Marino coach Franco Varrella. "We've worked so hard for this, and I'm so proud of the players."

"We knew it would be a tough game, but we believed in ourselves and we played with heart," said San Marino captain Davide Simoncini.

"It's a historic day for San Marino football," said San Marino Football Federation president Marco Tura.

San Marino's victory was a major upset, but it was also a deserved one. The visitors were the better team on the night and created more chances.

Liechtenstein's defeat was a disappointment, but they can take some solace from the fact that they will remain in League E of the Nations League next season.

San Marino's victory is a reminder that anything is possible in football. Even the smallest nations can achieve success if they believe in themselves and work hard.