V. Čeburinas: "We saw sharp football and attacks near both goals"

2024-07-12 12:31 © E. Žaldario

Coach Vladimiras Čeburinas of "Žalgiris" spoke about many created opportunities after the victory in Finland, while team captain Ovidijus Verbickas noted that they managed to win deservedly.

The "Žalgiris" team took the lead first, but hit the crossbar three times, and after a corner kick, the opponents equalized the score. However, at the end of the match, Jurijus Kendyš scored the winning goal.

"The first match, both teams were nervous. We saw intense football, attacks on both goals. There was a lot of fighting. We created quite a few chances. Not all shots hit the target. We were very close. The opponent defended well. They went on quick counterattacks. A serious team. For the spectators, the game was tense and interesting. We look forward to the next match, waiting for the opponents in Vilnius," commented V. Čeburinas.

"It's very nice that we won this match. We were indeed deserving of the victory. Of course, we should have closed the match in the first half. We had so many chances, so many times hit the crossbar. I think we were better. Perhaps that's why in the end, with a bit of luck, we scored that goal and won," said O. Verbickas.

He already had a dangerous shot in the second minute, and a minute later, Y. Karashima's ball hitting the crossbar shook it. According to O. Verbickas, the Žalgiris team planned to start the match aggressively, and they succeeded. "In the first 10 minutes, we started aggressively. They didn't understand what was happening. That plan worked quite well. Of course, everything can always be better in every match. But I think we executed what the coach wanted, and that's why we created many dangerous moments.

Despite the possession and quantity advantage, VPS managed to equalize the score in the second half, while "Žalgiris" struggled to score.

"We kept our concentration, controlled the game calmly, didn't rush anywhere. We believed that we had to break through, score that goal. We pushed the full-backs up, Jurijus came forward from defense. I think they didn't expect us to push so many players up. As they say, that unnoticed player often scores a goal. Jurijus found himself in the penalty area, was uncovered, Joel made a good pass, we scored a goal and won. Happy for the team, all the spectators. We look forward to the next match in Vilnius," said O. Verbickas.

The Vilnius team ended a series of events with these matches, which also included two failures in the Lithuanian championship.

"We trained well, had a weekly cycle. Psychologically, this victory was very important. Now we need to improve even further and play better at home, in front of our fans. They will be our twelfth player," said the "Žalgiris" captain.

The return match will take place on July 18 in Vilnius.