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After the friendly matches with Russia, thoughts were shared by the head coach of the Lithuanian national team, defender Tomas Mikuckis, forward Andrius Velička, debutant defender Egidijus Vaitkūnas and the most productive player of the national team Tomas Danilevičius, who watched the game from the stands.
Head coach Csaba Laszlo:
"We achieved a good result against a team that will play in the European Championship and today played with their main lineup, with all the stars. I think the Russians were motivated enough for these matches, but our players showed that by following discipline they can successfully fight and aim for positive results against anyone.
"I really liked that the team - except for the first ten minutes - played as we planned in training. We had several good opportunities and I am very happy about that. We set a goal not only to defend, but also to create dangerous attacks towards the opponent's goal.
"In the second half both teams made substitutions. We tried to give a chance to the substitute players, who did their job well. After the break, we had more opportunities than the opponents and often showed really good combination football starting from defense. Attacks were finished and that is very important, I emphasized that to the players.
"Just a little disappointing that we didn't take advantage of the chances we created. At the international level, such opportunities must be capitalized on - if you create three, you need to score a couple of goals. We will have to work to improve this aspect of the game in the future. We also need to be more aggressive one-on-one and control the ball more cold-bloodedly."
Defender Tomas Mikuckis:
"We are pleased with the draw, we played against a good team. But we could have won, there were definitely chances. It was a pity that we didn't score. The Russian national team really didn't show anything impressive. They controlled the ball more, it was difficult for us to contain them in the middle of the field. But they didn't create anything more dangerous.
"Our chances were better. We had about five chances that could and should have ended in goals. So it's a bit disappointing that we didn't punish the opponents."
Forward Andrius Velička:
"The match was tough. We played against a really strong opponent, who is preparing for the European Championship. We didn't lose and that's not a bad result. We could have won, but our traditional problem repeated - finishing chances. We had several really good opportunities. But most importantly, we didn't concede a goal. Maybe we will score next time.
"Before the match, the coach explained a lot, all the players knew their positions, what each should do on the field. I think that's really important.
"Returning to the national team, I feel great. I am very happy that the coach trusted me. I hope I didn't let him down. Being the captain of the team in the second half was a special feeling. It's such an opportunity that may or may not come again."
Defender Egidijus Vaitkūnas:
"Before the match, I expected it to be more difficult. After all, the Russian national team is preparing for the European Championship. But it wasn't so difficult. We saw that we can play with them and compete. The whole team played well. We even had more opportunities to score. We could and should have won. It's nice to debut in the national team, I just wanted to play more. Psychologically it was easier because I had already played for the 'B' team."
Captain Tomas Danilevičius:
"The guys fought really well in the middle of the field. The match was of a decent level, the desire to win was evident. Especially in the second half, we had good opportunities to score, just a little unlucky. The impression is very positive. It's a shame that I couldn't participate. I hope to be ready for the next camp.
"This time I came to watch the team with pleasure. I have been playing for the national team for many years, I wanted to meet old friends and teammates, as well as get to know the new national team coach. I see that he shows great enthusiasm and dedication, devotes himself to his work one hundred percent. It's very good."
