San Marino don’t usually have much to cheer about, with their footballing world an arduous mix of plucky maulings and spirited batterings.
However, away to Lithuania on Tuesday night, the perennial minnows enjoyed a rare moment of joy.
The hosts took an early lead, courtesy of a strike from Fiodor Černych. However, on 50 minutes, Lithuania ‘keeper Giedrius Arlauskis saw red for a foul on Danilo Rinaldi.
Then, from the resulting free-kick, Matteo Vitaioli fired through the home side’s wall to notch San Marino’s fifth-ever competitive away goal and their first in 14 years (since April 2001, 1-1 vs Latvia).
Not surprisingly, the whole squad celebrated in style…
Sadly for the minnows, a last-gasp winner from Lukas Spalvis ended their hopes of a precious away point.
Still, they scored an away goal, which for them is rather momentous!
(Video: Omar via 101gg)