'I dedicate this to the whole country' – San Marino tears of joy as tiny nation make history with back-to-back draws

Dante Rossi broke down in tears throughout a post-match interview following San Marino’s draw with Gibraltar, however was ready to dedicate the unlikely end result to the entire nation.

San Marino have been European soccer’s whipping boys for years, however the draw at residence to Gibraltar – which got here regardless of the group enjoying for a lot of the second half with 10 males following the sending off of Davide Simoncini – was their second in succession within the Nations League, following an similar Zero-Zero scoreline towards Liechtenstein in October.

Centre-back Rossi was notably happy with back-to-back clear sheets, a lot in order that he broke down in tears throughout his interview.

“For me it is actually a dream,” the 33-year-old Chiesanuova defender stated throughout an interview with RTV San Marino. “I can not discuss a lot.

“My household is comfortable, my spouse too. I wish to say thanks to my team-mates and all of the employees. We hope to remain right here for a very long time. 

“I dedicate this draw to the entire nation. We’re a small nation however now we have an enormous coronary heart. 

“To my household, my spouse and all my pals, I apologise.”

The draw with Gibraltar concluded San Marino’s Nations League Group D2 marketing campaign, and they’ll end backside of the pool on two factors.

However for a nation who’ve usually been the butt of jokes as their group is commonly stuffed with amateurs whose day jobs differ from accountants to salesmen, to safe back-to-back attracts is a few achievement.

The following goal for San Marino is a win in aggressive motion. They’ve just one victory to their identify, a 1-Zero success over Liechtenstein in a pleasant approach again in 2004.

Choking again tears, Rossi urged the nation’s supporters to stick with them as he says it’s only the start of the journey.

At 33 years of age, Rossi might not have a few years forward of him on the worldwide stage, however the Argentina-born defender is just not able to stroll away any time quickly.

For Gibraltar, they might want to bounce again from failing to beat San Marino as they tackle Liechtenstein on Tuesday for what’s a decider for prime spot within the desk.