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After the Lithuanian Football Federation Cup semifinal matches, "Ekranas" head coach Valdas Urbonas was happy with the successful game and reaching the final of the cup, while FK "REO" strategist Stasys Baranauskas acknowledged the higher skill level of "Ekranas" players and stated that his trained team did their best.
FK "Ekranas" head coach Valdas Urbonas: "First of all, I am glad that we managed to play a good game today and achieve victory. I think we deservedly made it to the final. There was rotation of players, rarely seen footballers played. Especially the first half I really liked, the game itself, its rhythm. It was played fast football, there were moments. We didn't capitalize on those situations. The game was really not bad, in the second half the situation changed a bit, especially in the midfield. D. Norvilas doesn't have much experience in such matches, A. Arlauskas didn't play for almost a couple of months, without game practice. I felt that these players were a bit tired in the second half of the match. Three substitutions were possible, which affected the distribution of forces. Mantas Savėnas played well. I am satisfied with the match, glad that we did what everyone expected from us.
In the final, interesting matches await, both "Žalgiris" and "Sūduva" are strong teams, we don't choose opponents, we are preparing for the final as a very important duel.
M. Savėnas rushed onto the field, a player with such experience was needed in the center. In the first half, R. Radavičius played, held the strings of the game. In the second half, Mantas played. Such players bring more order, discipline. I am glad that everyone finished the match healthy. We will be able to calmly prepare for Sunday's match. It is nice when the forward A. Velička uses at least part of the chances he has. It will be much easier for him psychologically."
FK "REO" head coach Stasys Baranauskas: "Ekranas" is a higher level team, they proved it on the field. I don't think we played disgracefully today. The team played, tried. Of course, for now it is too difficult to compete with "Ekranas". Players will gain experience, I believe in the future matches the team will be more capable. In the second half, they gained confidence and held the ball. In the Cup matches, we tried as much as we could, it is what it is, we were unlucky with the draws. If we had faced "Žalgiris" or "Sūduva", it would have been enough to reach the final and play in the Europa League tournament. For now, let's look at the A league tournament table, where everyone stands. "Ekranas" has experience, they are in first place. Our draws were unsuccessful. Valdas (Urbonas) will agree that we played. That's football for you, you saw, we scored a goal in the last minute of the first half. I have no complaints about my own team players."
