J. Lasickas: Emotions - Dual

2023-10-18 17:19 © lff.lt

The Lithuanian national team on Tuesday evening narrowly missed a sensation in a duel with the Hungarians, leading 2-0 after the first half, but after the break the visitors returned to the game and the match ended in a draw 2-2.

After the match, national team defender Justas Lasickas talked about how immediately after the final whistle there was a sense of disappointment, but ultimately there will be many positives to take from such a match.

"Mixed emotions - perhaps a bit of disappointment, because we feel that we could have won three points, but after a while remembering these matches, we will focus on the many good things we accomplished.

We had our moments when we needed to step up, press them. I think our midfielders were the main part of the mechanism that helped us a lot. In fact, everyone contributed, but the way they intercepted balls also prevented the opponents from moving freely in the midfield. It was great to play with this team, I really enjoyed it, I think the fans must have enjoyed it too.

We were close to two victories at this window, but we are not disappointed and settled for four points. We still theoretically had hopes of qualifying for the European Championship, but now we will have the opportunity to fight for third place in the group.

Perhaps the Hungarians arrived somewhat underestimating us, thinking they would win easily, but in the second half they realized it wouldn't be easy. They are still a top-level team, stronger national teams have a lot of problems against them. Part of it was the difference in motivation and desire," evaluated J. Lasickas.

Meanwhile, the author of the first goal, Fedor Chernych, talked about his precise shot, but jokingly pointed out another one, which he believed was even nicer.

"I would say that maybe the goal against Slovenia's gate was even more beautiful [in the 2018 World Cup qualifying matches in Vilnius - ed.], but similar. However, it's the work of the whole team. Just joking with Jus, I thought about how not to lose the ball, but I passed and hit the target.

The coach tells us not to close ourselves in defense, as it may have been before. E. Jankauskas always says that if we don't try, we won't succeed.

What's the difference if we get four goals by closing the defense? The coach mentioned that all the responsibility lies on him and we shouldn't worry. We try and play, I think that pays off and we are doing pretty well," explained the national team captain.

The qualification cycle will conclude for the Lithuanians on November 16 with a match against the Montenegrin team.