When losing by Seven Goals is a Victory

November 14th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | View Comments

Fresh off of its 13-0 defeat to Germany and 7-0 drubbing by the Czech Republic, San Marino is all fired up and ready to lose to Ireland in Euro 2008 qualifying Wednesday. San Marino head coach Giampaolo Mazza is entirely realistic above his team’s chances.

“I’ve also a young team from a very small nation. We don’t have much hope of winning. That’s reality.

“The important thing is we play well and make sure the scoreline at the end is a respectable one.

“Hopefully, we can play better than normal and limit the easy goals against Ireland.”

San Marino is fairly used to losing. The country has only won one offifial game in its history – a 2004 thriller against Liechtenstein. The country has had its moments in the sun, however. San Marino holds the record for the fastest ever goal in World Cup history. In a World Cup qualifier against England in 1993, Davide Gualtieri scored after just 8 seconds. The team went on to lose 7-1.

If San Marino needs some inspiration, they should look no further than Malta to see what can happen on any given day.