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The Lithuanian national football team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers had to recognize the superiority of the leaders of the European zone Group G, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a score of 0:3. The opponents secured victory with three goals in the first thirteen minutes of the game.
The Lithuanians had a good opportunity to score, but failed to capitalize on it and were punished for it. Between the 28th and 41st minutes, three precise attacks from the hosts crushed the hopes of the Lithuanians to fight for points.
Lithuanian national team goalkeeper Arvydas Novikovas:
"It could have been a little different. The opponents had a bit of luck. Before one goal, we weren't awarded a penalty kick, the Bosnians launched a counterattack and scored. In the first half hour, we played well, we had opportunities to score. If we had taken advantage of them, the match could have ended differently.
We lacked concentration for the full 45 minutes. Maybe after the first missed goal, we let our guard down a bit. They scored the second goal after a ricochet from a defender. The first half . In the second half, we tried to score a quick goal. There were opportunities, but they need to be capitalized on."
Lithuanian national team forward Tadas Labukas:
Lithuanian national team goalkeeper Deividas Šemberas:
"Sad that such a result. Such teams and such players don't forgive mistakes and take advantage of every opportunity. You have to be attentive to the smallest details. Otherwise, it's hard to play against such attackers and such a secure line. We are to blame ourselves. Everything could have turned out differently. Until the first goal, we were executing the plan we had set, covering zones well. The opponents didn't have real chances. Unfortunately, after the missed goal, it was difficult to recognize the team.
It was difficult to hope for something after the first half, especially when playing away, with such good support. Nevertheless, we are not stronger than the Bosnians. I want to thank our fans who traveled a long way here. Their support was heard. It's a pity that we disappointed them today.
The lack of players like Česnauskiai or Mikoliūnas always affects the team. Although other players step in, the mutual understanding with them is different, the team loses balance."
Lithuanian national team defender Marius Stankevičius:
"Lacked mastery. The opponents proved their superiority after half an hour. After the first missed goal, our game fell apart, we couldn't recover. We couldn't show the same game as before. We could have fought more, achieved more.
In the beginning, we were very focused, everything looked good, we had an opportunity that needed to be taken advantage of. Details were lacking. But later the opponents showed that they are stronger. There were opportunities in the second half as well. The result hurts the most.
Playing in a full stadium - just a pleasure. Every footballer wants to play in such an atmosphere. I hope that in the future it will be the same in Lithuania."
Lithuanian national team defender Valdemar Borovskij:
"In my opinion, and in the opinion of many others, we played well in the first half-hour. But in a short time, we conceded not one silly goal, once we should have fouled earlier. I blame myself as well. I had a good opportunity, I needed to shoot, not make a pass. Maybe that would change something.
I think it's possible to play with the Bosnians, at least for half the game we were really equal. During the break, the coach said that in the second half we should go out as if the score were 0:0, show character - score at least one goal and not concede."
