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Forget St Etienne vs Manchester United and Sevilla vs Leicester, the most important game of the day is international friendly between San Marino and Andorra

Fifa's 202nd-best team host side one place below them with side's chasing their second and fourth ever victories

MANCHESTER UNITED and Leicester are both in major European action tonight — but neither will be playing in the biggest game of the day.

That honour instead falls to the international friendly between San Marino and Andorra.

San Marino players celebrate after achieving momentary parity en route to 3-1 defeat away against Norway
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San Marino players celebrate after achieving momentary parity en route to 3-1 defeat away against NorwayCredit: Getty Images

The European minnows face off and may never have a better opportunity to finally earn that precious victory.


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San Marino are one place above their visitors in Fifa rankings at No.202 — below Pakistan, Montserrat, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands - and have not win since 2004.

That 1-0 victory — the sole success in the nation’s history — came in a friendly against fellow minnows Liechtenstein.

Which gives you an idea of just how big an opportunity this is.

San Marino players in action against Macedonia during only win back in 2004
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San Marino players in action against Liechtenstein during only win back in 2004Credit: KEYSTONE
Andorra players show utter jubilation after the only win in nation's entire history
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Andorra players show utter jubilation after the only win in nation's entire historyCredit: Empics
The scoreboard shows San Marino 8-0 down against Germany, they also lost 13-0
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The scoreboard shows San Marino 8-0 down against Germany, they also lost 13-0Credit: Getty Images

However, they have lost 133 of their 138 matches since 1988.

Andorra, meanwhile, are one place above the British Virgin Islands, but have actually won a World Cup qualifying match back in 2006, when they beat Macedonia 1-0.

The Spanish province has a better record, having tasted victory three times since 1996 and lost "just" 126 times.

Though, their current run of 86 matches without a win is the longest in history.

San Marino's players will be hoping to build on their only victory in their history
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San Marino's players will be hoping to build on their only victory in their historyCredit: Getty Images
Andorra will no doubt see their friendly with San Marino as chance for victory
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Andorra will no doubt see their friendly with San Marino as chance for victoryCredit: Getty Images
Gareth Bale and Wales in action during a competitive match with Andorra
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Gareth Bale and Wales in action during a competitive match with AndorraCredit: Getty Images

San Marino have played 74 times since their one victory.

Neither can ever realistically dream of winning even playing in a major tournament — let alone win one.

Just a victory in itself would be the highlight of any of their players’ careers.

Andorra play on 3G pitch — here they are playing against Wales
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Andorra play on 3G pitch — here they are playing against WalesCredit: Getty Images
Wayne Rooney is helped up by San Marino defenders during England clash
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 Wayne Rooney is helped up by San Marino defenders during England clashCredit: Getty Images
Wayne Rooney scores from the spot as England overcome San Marino
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Wayne Rooney scores from the spot as England overcome San MarinoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Andrea Selva is the only player in San Marino history to score a winning goal — and is still playing at the age of 40.

He is also his country’s record marksman, and he explained his feelings from that day to : “It was the happiest moment of my international career — such an adrenaline rush.

“At 40 and having been playing for San Marino since 1998, I’m still playing.

“Even though I handed over the armband so someone else can enjoy the feeling.”

Wayne Rooney equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's England record against San Marino
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Wayne Rooney equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's England record against San MarinoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
San Marino goalkeeper, Aldo Simoncini conceded 13 goals in one match
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San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini conceded 13 goals in one matchCredit: Getty Images

Confidence is clearly high in San Marino, as Selva adds: “I am hoping to play against Andorra.”

Ildefons Lima made his Andorra debut in the country’s second-ever official match and has gone on to claim 103 caps and scored ten goals.

Both are international records — and he is a central defender.

Bastian Schweinsteiger takes aim during a Germany vs San Marino clash
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Bastian Schweinsteiger takes aim during a Germany vs San Marino clashCredit: Getty Images
One of the darkest days in San Marino's history as they lose 13-0 against Germany
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One of the darkest days in San Marino's history as they lose 13-0 against GermanyCredit: Getty Images

Now 37 and captain, Lima summed up the mood when he told MARCA: “It’s the Cinderella derby.

“Winning would be like winning a tournament."

Yes, United know they have a Europa League last-16 place at stake.

But, for San Marino or Andorra — and the bookies make the visitors slight favourites — there is the possibility of an actual victory.

That’s why it's quite possibly the most important friendly in football history.