In recent history small sized nations such as San Marino, Andorra and Faroe Islands have been the whipping boys in UEFA world cup and European championship qualifying and in the recent World cup qualification these three only managed 1 point between them, so when UEFA new boys Gibraltar made their international debut as registered UEFA members it was expected they would be on the same lines as those. But this wasn’t the case when 65th placed Slovakia made the trip over to Portugal to play them. Despite hitting the bar they couldn’t beat the new boys and Gibraltar picked up a famous 0-0 draw. Former Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham was in the side for Gibraltar and was awarded man-of-the-match and tweeted after the game,
“What an amazing result for everyone connected with Gibraltar. Players were outstanding”.
Adam Priestley had the best chance for the hosts when his cross was deflected into the Slovakian keeper arms but still managed to earn a draw. Gibraltar are having to play their games in Portugal at the moment due to their stadium not meeting UEFA standards but are in the development of it. UEFA’s smallest nation have games scheduled against Estonia and Faroe Islands next year and will be hoping to do one better this time.
Source: DSG
