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The long-awaited match is very close. Today, at 21:15 at the "Žalgiris" stadium, the Lithuanian national football team will meet the Spanish national team in the 7th qualifying group of the 2006 World Cup. The match will be broadcast live on TV3 television.
This match will certainly be memorable, and if Lithuania wins or plays a draw, it could be considered one of the best in the country's football history. Even in case of defeat, these matches should be historic, as the national team returns to play in the capital after a five-year hiatus, and this may be the last time the old "Žalgiris" stadium is played in.
Moreover, this is one of the rare occasions when Lithuanians play at home against a team from the world football elite. Remember - the last time was a decent two-goal margin defeat to the world vice-champions Germany, a goalless draw with Italy. There was also a crushing (0-4) loss to the Czech Republic, a defeat (0-1) to Italy nine years ago, and a goalless draw against the then European champions Denmark 12 years ago.
Lithuania has faced Spain twice in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. In Spain, Lithuanians were crushed 0-5, and in Vilnius, they lost 0-2. By the way, at that time, the team was coached by A.Liubinskas, his current assistant V.Ivanauskas played on the field, while only A.Skarbalius from both teams' players participated in these matches.
Spain has long been known for having one of the most talented teams in Europe and the world, dominating qualifiers, but stumbling in crucial matches and failing to achieve anything significant. In the previous European Championship qualifiers, they unexpectedly had to admit the superiority of Greece in their group, who later became the tournament winners.
At the beginning of this qualifying cycle, the Spaniards received a warning - they failed to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and could even lose. However, they managed to defeat the Belgian team later, although it was not a very convincing victory. The team has not found its game yet, and coach L.Aragones realizes that it will not be easy against Lithuania, the group leaders.
Firstly, because Lithuania demonstrates good play and after the draw with Belgium away, easily defeated San Marino. It may also be particularly important that the match will be played in Lithuania - the Spaniards will find it difficult to adapt to the cold weather and poor pitch conditions (by the way, during today's match, temperatures are expected to drop to minus 5 degrees). Another factor is that it will be difficult for the Spanish "stars" to take the fight seriously, while for the Lithuanians, this may be one of the most important matches in their career.
The biggest problem for Lithuanian national team coach A.Liubinskas is that compared to previous matches, the team composition has practically not strengthened: D.Cesnauskis, who has been out of action due to injury for some time, has not yet fully recovered. D.Semberas also suffered an injury after a suspension, and approaching the match, R.Poskus got into an accident and was injured. The only new player in the team is M.Samusiovas, who previously refused to help the team.
The weakest link in the Lithuanian national team is likely the defensive line - D.Vencevicius and I.Morinas are not high-class players, A.Kucys and S.Mikoliunas are somewhat young, A.Gedgaudas is too inexperienced at this level, E.Cesnauskis, who went to Ukraine, does not get much play, and T.Razanauskas is currently out of form.
Nevertheless, in the middle of the field, D.Vencevicius and A.Gedgaudas will play, with E.Cesnauskis and N.Barasa supporting them from the sides. M.Stankevicius and A.Skarbalius will play in the defensive flanks, with R.Dziauksas and A.Skerla expected to play in the center. T.Danilevicius will play slightly withdrawn behind E.Jankauskas in the attacking line, with Z.Karcemarskas undoubtedly guarding the goal.
Meanwhile, four players are expected to change in Spain's starting lineup: J.Capdevila will be placed on the left defensive flank; in order to strengthen the defense, holding midfielder R.Baraja will play instead of the forward F.Torres; in the right and left midfield positions, the "Deportivo" duo Victor and A.Luque will play instead of Joaquin and J.Reyes respectively.
M.Salgado will be back in the right-back position, C.Puyol will partner with C.Marchena in the center, Xavi will organize the game in midfield, the team captain Raul will play as the lone striker, and I.Casillas will guard the goal, although he may be replaced by S.Canizares.
Projected starting lineups: Lithuania (4-4-1-1): Karcemarskas; Stankevicius, Dziauksas, Skerla, Skarbalius; Vencevicius, E.Cesnauskis, Gedgaudas, Barasa; Danilevicius; Jankauskas. Spain (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Salgado, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila; Albelda, Baraja; Victor, Xavi, Luque; Raul.
