With a population of only 30,000, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries involved in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. In the past, this tiny state lying between Austria and Switzerland has struggled to rise to footballing prominence.

Liechtenstein have fielded an official national football team since 1982, and while their victories have been very few and far between there have been some memorable performances in recent times.

In the run-up to Germany 2006, they posted their best record in the qualifying campaign of an international competition with two wins and two draws from 12 matches. It took a late goal from Nuno Gomes to deny them a draw in Portugal against the group winners. They held the same team to a draw at home, likewise second-placed Slovakia, and lost 2-1 to Russia on their own soil. Their two victories came at Luxembourg's expense and their 4-0 away win ranks as the greatest margin of victory by Liechtenstein to date in international football.

Liechtenstein then managed a seven-point return from 12 UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers against Spain, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Latvia and Iceland, whom they took four points off. Hans-Peter Zaugg's side will look to continue their progress during South Africa 2010 qualifying.