In case you didn’t know, San Marino’s national football team don’t score goals very often.
That might sound like an insult, but it’s 100% true. Before their game against Norway, San Marino hadn’t scored a goal in more than a year.
But all that changed when Mattia Stefanelli smashed the ball into the Norwegian net in the second half of their World Cup qualifier.
GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL
— San Marino (@soccersanmarino) October 11, 2016
The goal must have been a little embarrassing for the Norwegians.
WOW! San Marino equalize away to Norway, thanks to some absurd defending. Really, really, really bad for the Norwegians.
— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) October 11, 2016
Everyone was pretty excited.
San Marino have scored! In a World Cup Qualifier! pic.twitter.com/KDteRTyG0V
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) October 11, 2016
This was the reaction of one Norwegian television studio. Turning the lights off is a bit much.
Reaction in Norwegian TV studio to San Marino scoring tonight... pic.twitter.com/BmLxz6vRlK
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) October 11, 2016
It was obvious what a landmark moment this was for San Marino.
San Marino score their first away goal in a World Cup qualifier since 2001...
— Jonny Blain (@jonoblain) October 11, 2016
The last time - before tonight - that San Marino scored in an away World Cup qualifier, Wayne Rooney was 15. #WCQ
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) October 11, 2016
Gold dust.
San Marino equalise in Norway, just their 3rd goal in competitive internationals since October 2008 pic.twitter.com/CPdYdne9L4
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 11, 2016
Meanwhile over at the Slovenia v England game.
When San Marino’s scored more goals than you. pic.twitter.com/3M98wHPzlk
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) October 11, 2016
The goal gave San Marino fans hope of an extraordinary point away from home.
If we can actually draw against Norway, dreams are coming true! #norSMR
— San Marino (@soccersanmarino) October 11, 2016
But sadly it wasn’t to be.
GOAL! Norway break San Marino hearts, they now lead 2-1!
— Coral (@Coral) October 11, 2016
And eventually, Norway ran out 4-1 winners – spoilsports.
Oh well, we still scored an away goal. #norSMR
— San Marino (@soccersanmarino) October 11, 2016
No-one can take that goal away from you San Marino. Enjoy it – we know we did.
