Dante’s tears of joy after San Marino make historic stride
There were emotional scenes yesterday as San Marino avoided defeat in back-to-back competitive game for the first time in their history. The minnows, with their dentists, accountants and bankers in the starting XI, have been the whipping boys of international football for years now, losing 147 out of their first 150 games. But now they have had consecutive UEFA Nations League matches, drawing against Liechtenstein and Gibraltar. The result at home yesterday was made even more impressive given San Marino had captain Davide Simoncini sent off four minutes into the second half. Consecutive clean sheets meant so much to the players, with centre-back Dante Rossi overcome with emotion when giving a post-match interview. "For me it's a dream ... I can't speak," he explained as his voice began to crack. He brought a hand to his face as he tried to hold back tears, but was overwhelmed. "I beg your pardon ... I'm very excited," he added, dedicating the success to his family, team staff and the country "which is small but satisfied for now."
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