Magnificent Manzaroli defies Greece

Serravale's Stadio Olimpico witnessed history as San Marino earned their first-ever point on home soil in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying thanks to an outstanding goalkeeping performance from Mattia Manzaroli.

The hosts conceded 30 goals in their previous seven Group 1 games, but showed remarkable fortitude to keep Greece at bay. Attack after attack was repelled, and the onslaught started early as Stelios Vasiliou tried his luck in the fourth minute from a tight angle. Manzaroli set the tone for the evening, however, turning the effort wide with a great stop.

Vasiliou was denied twice more in quick succession before he did manage to put the ball in the net – only for it to be ruled out for a foul. At the other end, Enrico Golinucci went close with an audacious 45-metre effort.

Greece continued their siege in the second period and Manzaroli once again pulled off a remarkable save to deny Aris Soiledis, whose free-kick was destined for the top corner.