Football

San Marino, the tiny microstate nestled within Italy, has etched its name in football history by securing a remarkable promotion to the third tier of the UEFA Nations League. After trailing at halftime, the team rallied with an inspiring second-half performance to defeat Liechtenstein 3-1, marking their second-ever competitive victory.The match at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz was a tale of two halves. Liechtenstein took an early lead, leaving San Marino facing an uphill battle. However, the team refused to be disheartened. Led by coach Roberto Cevoli, they regrouped and emerged from the break with renewed determination.Lorenzo Lazzari ignited the comeback with a well-taken goal, followed by a stunning strike from Alessandro Golinucci. The match-winner came from the penalty spot, as Nicola Nanni coolly converted to seal the historic victory.San Marino's players erupted in jubilation as they secured promotion to League C. Their triumph is a testament to their resilience and the progress they have made under Cevoli's guidance. Despite being ranked 210th in the FIFA men's rankings, the team has shown that anything is possible with hard work and belief."Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they've managed to achieve," said Cevoli.San Marino's promotion is a significant milestone for the nation. It marks the first time they have advanced to a higher tier in the Nations League and provides a platform for further growth and development.The team's success has also captured the hearts of fans around the world. Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Federation, expressed his pride and emotion: "As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth... I cried with the boys."San Marino's historic Nations League campaign is a reminder that even the smallest of nations can achieve great things with determination and a never-say-die attitude.

Georgia's fairytale run at Euro 2024 has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. After defying all odds to reach the knockout stage, the underdogs face their toughest test yet against tournament favorites Spain on Sunday.Georgia coach Willy Sagnol exudes confidence despite his team's underdog status. "We have nothing to lose," he declared. "We've already exceeded expectations by making it this far. We're just excited to be on the pitch."Georgia's remarkable journey began with a stunning 2-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in their final group match. Despite losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic, they secured a spot in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers.However, Spain poses a formidable challenge. The tournament's most impressive team has won all three group games without conceding a goal. Georgia has faced Spain four times under Sagnol, losing all encounters, including a humiliating 7-1 defeat in Tbilisi last September.Sagnol acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead but believes his team has learned from past setbacks. "That 7-1 taught us a lot," he said. "It was part of our journey. If we're here today, it's because we've grown from that experience."Despite Spain's dominance, Sagnol remains optimistic. "It's a different competition, a different atmosphere," he said. "Anything can happen."Georgia's underdog status may work to their advantage. With no pressure to perform, they can play with freedom and surprise their opponents. Sagnol's belief in his team is infectious, and they will undoubtedly give Spain a run for their money on Sunday.