Even the world's worst national team had a moment of pure ecstasy

Even the small ones get their moment in the sun. Even the worst football team in the world can produce something to get their long-suffering supporters dreaming again. For San Marino, the bottom national team in FIFA rankings, that magical moment arrived late on Tuesday night when they sensationally scored a fantastic goal to level against one of Europe's best teams.

Denmark managed to take all three points in their Euro 2024 qualifying game in San Marino, but it was nowhere near as comfortable as it should have been. In the end, the Danes won 2-1 thanks to a Yussuf Poulsen winner 20 minutes before the end - but it wasn't the most memorable moment of the match, oh no.

One win in thirty years: This is the worst national team in the world

With Danes leading 1-0, courtesy of a Rasmus Hojlund opener, a player you've never heard of, Alessandro Golinucci, volleyed in to level and mark San Marino's first goal in nine games. The joy was unspeakable as the home team erupted with delight along with the unsuspecting supporters. With half an hour left, Golinucci had his best moment in football - and he knew how to make the most of it. He raced and slid on his belly, with his teammates climbing on top of him to share the remarkable feat.

Just a little comparison... (©Mozzart Sport Kenya)

Looking only at UEFA competitions, the European qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, San Marino have gone 11 games without ever finding the net. It was too long a wait for the charming minnows. The goalscorer plays for a local team AC Virtus, and has made 48 caps for the tiny enclave surrounded by Italian land.

San Marino's last goal was scored in a 1-1 draw against Saint Lucia on November 17th of last year, and it was an equaliser from Lorenzo Lazzari that came in the dramatic 94th minute. As a nation, San Marino has won only one game in its history, a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a friendly match in 2004.

In recent memory, San Marino has suffered some heavy defeats, including a 10-0 loss to England in a World Cup qualifier in November 2021. Before losing against Denmark, their recent results included a 3-0 loss to Northern Ireland, a 4-0 loss to Slovenia, and a 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan.

They may haven't got any points this time around, but the goal will be remembered for decades!