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The Lithuanian national team today followed the example of the youth team and played an evenly matched game against the Spanish national team, which is in the top five in the world, after a fierce and eventful battle.
Almost entirely at full "Žalgiris" stadium, the Lithuanians did not give in to the Spaniards in the slightest, and even had good chances to win the match.
The team from Serbia and Montenegro became the leader of Group 7 of the World Cup qualifiers, crushing San Marino 5-0 at home. Now the Serbians have 7 points, the Lithuanians and Spaniards have 5 each, Bosnia has 2, and San Marino has not earned any points.
Lithuania 0 - 0 Spain
Line-ups:
Lithuania: Karčemarskas; Stankevičius, Džiaukštas, Skerla, Skarbalius; Gedgaudas (75' Mikoliūnas), Barasa, Vencevičius, E.Česnauskis; Jankauskas; Danilevičius (81' Radzinevičius).
Spain: Casillas; Salgado, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila (78' Torres); Albelda, Baraja (65' Reyes); Victor (53' Tamudo), Xavi, Luque; Raul.
Yellow cards: Česnauskis (45'), Barasa (64'), Salgado (78'), Albelda (87'), Xavi (87')
The hosts started the match cautiously, retreating to their own half, but they were able to counter-attack sharply. In one of Lithuania's attacks, E.Česnauskis had the opportunity when he stopped a long pass, turned past the opposing goalkeeper, but his shot towards goal was blocked by C.Puyol.
Lithuanian attacks continued to be more dangerous, earning more corner kicks. After one of them, M.Stankevičius took a shot towards goal, but goalkeeper I.Casillas reacted excellently to the defender's attempt.
At the beginning of the second half, the Spaniards woke up again and tried to attack, but the Lithuanian defense worked flawlessly and repelled all attacks. In the 67th minute, a shot by Barasa from the defenders' feet bounced to E.Česnauskis, and this shot from the left side flew past the goal.
Later the game leveled off and calmed down a bit, and as the match neared the end, the Spanish coach sent his entire attacking arsenal onto the field.
Already in added time, a penalty kick was awarded in front of the Lithuanian goal. Luckily, Xavi's shot from about 17 meters was blocked by Ž.Karčemarskas, and later the goalkeeper had to defend Raul's attempt as well.
This was the most realistic chance for the Spaniards in the match, and the Lithuanians celebrated a great draw, which can be recorded among the country's best football achievements.
Photo: Marca
