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After friendly international matches between Russia and Lithuania's "B" national teams, the members of our national team claimed that the test against a strong opponent was successful and only two painful mistakes prevented them from achieving the result.
"Such mistakes happen, but the most important thing is that the boys tried and showed a decent game. Some proved they could aspire to the national team," said coach Raimondas Žutautas, leading the Lithuanian "B" team.
"In terms of quality of play, we did not fall far behind our opponents. I think we resisted a strong team well," said experienced national team player Mindaugas Panka.
"Russians were surprised by how much they had to run without the ball. We created two goals 'by ourselves'," said defender Mindaugas Kalonas, who joined the national team after the break.
Two gifts for the opponents
For Lithuania's "B" team, these were already the fourth friendly match this year and the first away match against another country's second team. Our footballers were greeted by winter in Grozny when the first snow of the year fell on the day of the match.
The duel ended with a score of 2-0 in favor of the Russian team composed of "Premier" league players, which did not have a clear gameplay advantage, but capitalized on two rough mistakes by the Lithuanians.
In the 10th minute, goalkeeper Saulius Klevinskas played unsuccessfully after Oleg Samsonov's long-range shot. In the 41st minute, Vytautas Andriuškevičius headed the ball straight to opponent Andrei Eshchenko, who found himself one-on-one and shot accurately.
The Lithuanian team threatened in the first half with a long shot from Mindaugas Panka, while at the start of the second half, center-back Algis Jankauskas had the best chance to score after a throw-in from the back, but his attack was imprecise.
Comments after the match:
Lithuania's "B" national team coach Raimondas Žutautas: "We conceded silly goals, but I cannot blame the players. Sometimes there are 'black' days. Saulius Klevinskas was one of the best goalkeepers in the Russian First League, and Vytautas Andriuškevičius is a promising defender, but he still lacks experience and practice. I believe they will not make such mistakes in the future.
The game itself went quite well. I did not see the statistics, but I think the ball control was roughly equal among the team. Mindaugas Panka played calmly in midfield, Linas Pilibaitis fought well, and the central defenders Tomas Mikuckis, Algis Jankauskas played coolly and unflinchingly.
In the second half, as is often the case after substitutions, the game balanced out a bit, but overall, I am satisfied. Perhaps the last attacking phase did not go as well. We are still looking for players who can play more sharply in attack. Deivydas Matulevičius is young, but his future needs to be linked with him.
I can praise defender Egidijus Vaitkūnas, who played the best match I have seen from him. I wish him to find a high-level club, train more, and join the national team.
It was difficult to play against a team that had only trained together a couple of times, but the guys showed character, demonstrated desire and enthusiasm. Thank you to all the players for that. However, we played against a team composed of players from Russia's top league. Our footballers saw what they are worth. The Russians were also satisfied with the match, although for some reason, some of them thought they played against our 'A' national team.
Some of our players showed that they can aspire to our 'A' national team as well. Without counting players like Mindaugas Panka or Linas Pilibaitis who already play, I think at least six players from this 'B' team will join the 'A' national team. I believe that the reserve team we assembled this year has justified itself, and I wish the next coach, who will take over after me, to continue this work."
Lithuania's "B" national team defender Tomas Mikuckis: "I was positively surprised by the team's play, as we played really well against a serious rival in the first half, but we conceded painful goals. The Russians did not create many dangerous opportunities. We controlled the ball well, and the central midfielders played well. Russians have a strong defensive line, but we managed not to give in. Maybe the quick goals by the opponents were relaxing.
As my first time in the national team, I quickly found a common ground with Algis Jankauskas in the center-back duo. The last time we played together was a couple of years ago at FK Vėtra, as well as in youth teams in Žalgiris.
I was expecting very tough matches because the Russian team has really good players who play in the 'Premier' league with significant roles. Especially their defenders are capable players, but we managed not to give in. Perhaps the opponents were slightly relaxed by the quick goals.
It has been a while since I was in the national team. It is always pleasant to return. It was interesting to play against players from the top Russian league, and it is also a useful experience for the youth. We saw that we are not far behind; we just need to work hard in training and continue to improve."
Lithuania's "B" national team defender Mindaugas Kalonas: "We faced a strong opponent. The game mostly took place in the middle of the field; the teams tried to keep possession and did not create many chances. We had young players, but they did not spoil the game. I spoke with the Russians after the match - they were surprised by how much they had to run without the ball. We 'created' two goals ourselves.
It was even more interesting for me to play personally because I know many of the opponents from childhood. This is a promising team that is preparing for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. I think 6-7 players from this team will participate in it.
Returning to the national team after a long break was pleasant for the heart and a double thrill. It is nice that the national team coach and leaders gave me this opportunity. I have not had playing experience for a long time, so I am far from good shape. I will look for a team where I can play."
Lithuania's "B" national team player Mindaugas Panka: "It is always more fun to achieve a result, but after painful individual mistakes, the most important thing is that the game was not bad. We did not fall far behind our opponents in terms of quality of play. The result of the match does not reflect what was on the field. I think we stood up well against a strong team.
Every match is useful, a sort of experience. I think the issue of match locations is overemphasized. Russian clubs from the highest league play here constantly. The city is recovering after the war, and it was not as I expected.
The club coach tried to dissuade me from going to the national team, as there are four more matches in the championship this year. But I never refuse an invitation to the national team. It is always pleasant to play for Lithuania and meet with friends."
Lithuania's "B" national team player Marius Šoblinskas: "I think the team surprised in a positive way because we played really well in the first half against a tough opponent but conceded painful goals. The Russians did not create many chances. It was beneficial to play against a stronger opponent, to see what you are worth.
I have played in youth national teams, but it was my first time in the senior national team. This season, I struggled with injuries and only got into the game at the end of the season, so the invitation was pleasantly surprising. The team here is great, there are players I have played with before. It was enjoyable to train with capable players. The trip was a bit unusual, but it was a good experience.
Entering the field, I was a bit nervous. After a substitution, it is always harder for me to get into the game. I am self-critical, so I am not very satisfied with my performance; I always want to do better. Although I did not play much, it was challenging to show a lot."
Match statistics
Russia B - Lithuania B 2:0 (2:0) Grozny "Terek" stadium Referee - Igor Yegorov (Russia) Goals: 10 min. Oleg Samsonov, 41 min. Andrei Eshchenko (Russia) Yellow cards: 6 min. Aleksandr Sapeta, 43 min. Zaur Sadaev (Russia); 45 min. Linas Pilibaitis, 59 min. Tomas Mikuckis (Lithuania)
Lithuania B: Saulius Klevinskas, Vytautas Andriuškevičius (46 min. Vaidas Slavickas), Tomas Mikuckis, Algis Jankauskas, Egidijus Vaitkūnas, Linas Pilibaitis (84 min. Mindaugas Kalonas), Mindaugas Panka (85 min. Povilas Leimonas), Vytautas Lukša (46 min. Gediminas Vičius), Vaidotas Šilėnas (73 min. Marius Šoblinskas), Marius Papšys (87 min. Valerijus Mižigurskis), Ričardas Beniušis (46 min. Deivydas Matulevičius) Substitute: Marius Rapalis
