Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Jamie Wilson, Phil Craig, Declan Clark
Guest(s)
Release Date
26 December 2024
Duration
97 min
In this By Far The Greatest Team festive edition — the Boxing Day Bonanza — hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regulars Jamie “South Coast” Wilson, Declan Clark, and Phil Craig for a Christmas challenge: each must pick a team, argue its greatness in under ten minutes, and let the others decide if it holds up.
In one of the episode’s most memorable turns, Jamie Rooney takes the case of San Marino 2024 — the tiny nation that finally ended an international losing streak stretching across decades. For a country of just 34,000 people, their draw against Saint Kitts and Nevis and spirited performances in Euro qualifiers weren’t just results — they were national miracles.
The discussion blends humour, data, and empathy, looking at how San Marino’s persistence has turned them into cult favourites of global football. The team’s commitment, community pride, and moments of joy amid relentless defeats symbolise the sport’s emotional core.
Beyond the jokes, it’s a reflection on what “greatness” really means: not just trophies, but resilience, representation, and love of the game.
From hearts breaking in Tynecastle to laughs around the Christmas table, the Bonanza proves that even San Marino can have their day in the sun.
Takeaways
Hearts’ 2005–06 challenge to Scotland’s football elite
Tranmere’s golden 1990s run under John King
Arsenal 1939 and The Arsenal Stadium Mystery film connection
San Marino’s surprising 2024 unbeaten streak
Oxford United’s 1986 League Cup triumph and legacy
San Marino 2024: The End of the Losing Streak
For decades, San Marino were football’s ultimate punchline — a nation of proud amateurs facing professionals, chasing shadows, and enduring loss after loss. But in 2024, something extraordinary happened: they didn’t lose.
In a friendly against Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino fought to a 1–1 draw — their first non-defeat in over a decade, ending a run of 136 straight losses. The goal by Alessandro Golinucci sparked celebrations that echoed from Serravalle to social media feeds worldwide.
For manager Fabrizio Costantini, it was vindication. His tactical discipline and faith in homegrown players had given the tiny republic hope again. For the players — most of whom juggle day jobs with national duty — it was a dream realised.
In this Boxing Day Bonanza, Jamie Rooney argues that greatness comes in all forms. San Marino 2024 may not have lifted a trophy, but they achieved something even rarer — global respect, emotional resonance, and the purest joy sport can offer.
The world’s smallest footballing nation finally found its moment. And in doing so, they reminded everyone why we love the game.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
San Marino’s long losing streak and 2024 breakthrough
The cultural importance of small-nation football
Defining “greatness” through persistence and pride
Iconic San Marino moments through history
Why underdogs matter more than ever in football
Ending their 136-match losing run in 2024
Drawing with Saint Kitts and Nevis
Celebrating the result as if they’d won the World Cup
Alessandro Golinucci’s historic equaliser
Global fan reaction hailing “the greatest draw of all time”
Notable Manager
Fabrizio Costantini
Notable Players
Nicola Nanni, Matteo Vitaioli, Filippo Fabbri, Elia Benedettini, Lorenzo Lazzari, Alessandro Golinucci
Style of Play
5-4-1, Defensive, Counter-Attacking, Compact, Resilient, Underdog Spirit
San Marino’s 2024 breakthrough was rooted not in revolution, but in resilience. Under Fabrizio Costantini, the team focused on compact defensive structures — typically in a 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 shape — designed to frustrate opponents and reduce space in central areas.
Discipline and teamwork were paramount. Every player behind the ball, quick clearances, and hard pressing in short bursts defined their approach. Offensively, San Marino relied on counter-attacks, set pieces, and sheer willpower — moments where Nicola Nanni or Matteo Vitaioli could chase lost causes and turn them into chances.
The style may have lacked elegance, but it was a triumph of collective effort over expectation. When Alessandro Golinucci scored to end their historic drought, it was more than a goal — it was the culmination of years of structure, self-belief, and small-nation pride.
San Marino 2024 didn’t just park the bus — they parked history itself.
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