First half goals secure Monaco win against Vatican City

Principality...the Monaco team before the anthems.

With Prince Albert II watching Monaco kept a clean sheet for only the third time as they ran out 2-0 winners against the Vatican City in Cap d’Ail on Saturday. First-half goals from Morgan Escarras and veteran striker Eric Fissore secured only a second win since 2006 for the Monégasque and meant that after the Vatican’s third international the world’s smallest country is still without a victory.

After impressing with Monaco second-tier champions SBM Slot Machines last season Escarras was called into the national team for the first time and capped his debut with a goal. After collecting a pass on his chest from left-back Kévin Santini the 21-year old kept his cool to volley the ball home with 9 minutes played. The hosts struggled to impose themselves in the searing heat but extended their lead 24 minutes later.

Visitors...the Vatican left Rome for the first time.

33-year old Fissore, an ever-present with the national team since their maiden game against Tibet in 2001, scored to cap off a fine season during which he won the Challenge Prince Rainier III Cup with his club Sun Casino. Escarras turned creator as he collected the ball in midfield and from 30-yards executed a fine through-ball to the onrushing Fissore, who made no mistake finishing past Damiano Bartozzi. After making several changes in the second half the game petered out in the sweltering conditions.

After the match Escarras told us “I’m very happy to score in this game because it was difficult in the heat and to win in front of the Prince of Monaco thanks in part to this goal is very satisfying”. Monaco have expressed a desire in competing at the 2014 VIVA World Cup and will likely play again in the year ahead. Click here for exclusive photos.

Match information –

Score: Monaco 2-0 Vatican City

Goals: Morgan Escarras 9’ Eric Fissore 34’

Monaco: Julien [Di Franco 46’]; Santini, Janel, Beltrandi, Dioury; Escarras [? 57’], Hebert, Landau, Armita; Fissore [El Missouri 65’], Sabatel.

Vatican City: Bartozzi; Rimauro, Grillone, Mayer, Pietropaolo; Troiani, Cataldo, Perinellie, Batalocco; Gaudio, Carilli.