San Marino chase historic point
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Article summary
Despite conceding 25 goals in three EURO qualifying matches, San Marino coach Giampaolo Mazza tells uefa.com his team are improving with every fixture.
Article body
Ireland test
San Marino play host to Stephen Staunton's Republic of Ireland side on Wednesday, looking to register their first-ever point in a UEFA European Championship qualifier. In 37 previous matches, the oldest republic in the world have scored just four goals and conceded 170. Mazza's side started their campaign with a record 13-0 loss to Germany before a 7-0 defeat in the Czech Republic. They then lost 5-0 in the first fixture against the Irish in Dublin last November.
Improving performances
"I knew this was the most difficult qualifying group we have ever faced," the coach told uefa.com. "We had a difficult start against the Czech Republic but I think our performance in Ireland was more encouraging. We are improving our physical condition and we managed to play with good intensity for the whole 90 minutes while we gave up after the first half against Germany."
Stern test
Although a historic draw against Staunton's men would be most welcome, Mazza's main concern is to provide a test for the visitors. "As always our dream is to earn one point, but the more realistic goal is trying to make the game as difficult as possible for our opponents and gain as much experience as possible. Heavy defeats are part of our football history so my biggest hope is to see our young players continuing to improve and develop."
Home comforts
Like the opening fixture against Germany, Wednesday's contest is due to be staged at San Marino's Serravalle Olimpico Stadium, which holds just 5,000 spectators. Some previous qualification matches have been played in Italy, but despite the small capacity Giorgio Crescentini, president of the San Marino Football Federation has resisted the temptation to move the tie.
Champions League
"We are always eager to host this kind of match in San Marino. We are very glad to have this opportunity," said Crescentini. Meanwhile, San Marino, population of just 30,000, will for the first time have an entrant in the qualification stages of next season's UEFA Champions League after UEFA's Executive Committee opted to welcome one team from the Campionato into Europe's premier club competition.
