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Learn from past mistakes, overcome the psychological barrier of failures, and implement the chosen tactics. These three factors could be the key to success for the Lithuanian national team in Wednesday's match against Liechtenstein.
Youth received an invitation
In the rejuvenated Lithuanian national team camp in Marijampole on Saturday, not just one potential debutant is training. For the first time, 18-year-old guard Gratas Sirgėdas and 19-year-old striker Lukas Spalvis are expected to be included in the national team's match protocol on Tuesday.
"It was a surprise to me because I received the invitation after the match with Finland," said L.Spalvis. "I even thought about not flying to Denmark, but I decided to fly and come back again."
According to the striker, he quickly adapted to the team, but it is still too early to think about playing time: "Everyone accepted me kindly and friendly. Older players help. I don't expect too much because this is just the first camp. But if there is such an opportunity, it would be pleasant. I would give everything I can."
Trying to climb out of the pit
According to national team coach Csaba Laszlo, it is important to learn from the last match in Latvia and not repeat mistakes. "The last match was painful for everyone - coaches, players, fans. We must point fingers at ourselves," the coach said. "It is very important to win three points now. We have already analyzed the match - everyone knows what mistakes were made and what needs to be done to win the next match."
Defender Tomas Mikuckis said that psychologically it is important to climb out of the pit: "It can't continue like this. It's not only unpleasant for us against the fans but also against our family members, friends. We want to prove that we can win. But you can talk a lot, you need to prove everything on the field."
According to Cs. Laszlo, the painful lesson should not only be remembered for the last defeat in the friendly match in Luxembourg but also for evaluating the Liechtenstein team, which has recently not been an easy opponent.
"We already received a lesson in Luxembourg, where we were favorites. You cannot relax at the international level," explained the coach. "I showed the players Liechtenstein's match with the Greeks, where the latter won only 1-0. Also, the matches with the Croats, which ended 2-3. Liechtenstein showed that they can be dangerous."
Analyzed opponents' matches
Two years ago, the Lithuanian team lost to Liechtenstein 0-2 away, and played a goalless draw in Kaunas. This year, the Liechtenstein team failed to beat both Latvia and Slovakia.
According to T. Mikuckis, so-called underdogs have significantly improved in recent years: "Many used to play only defensively, but now they are not afraid to attack. It will not be easy, as shown by the match with the Greeks, who had chances but it was difficult to score one goal. Liechtenstein players fight for each other until the end,"
Spalvis' opinion, the opponent's strength is not limited to team spirit alone. "I know that many Liechtenstein players play in Austria, Switzerland. It is a fighting team that has several technical players," said L.Spalvis. "The Liechtenstein national team tries to attack, but sometimes they run out of energy at the end of the match."
According to T. Mikuckis, much will depend on individual skill, how Lithuanians make quick passes. "Many Greek attacks against Liechtenstein went through the wings. Perhaps we will use a similar tactic," pondered the defender. "Latvia scored a goal and it was easier for them, they could play defensively. It is difficult for us to create against teams that defend. We do not have such high skill."
A familiar referee will officiate
The match between Lithuania and Liechtenstein will be officiated by a refereeing team from Georgia. The main referee is Lasha Silagava. This referee is already familiar with Lithuanian football.
One of his recent matches involving a Georgian national team was the friendly match between Armenia and Lithuania last autumn. L.Silagava has also officiated matches for the Lithuanian U-21 and U-17 national teams, while in 2005 he officiated a particularly tense match between "Atlantas" and "Rhyl" in the UEFA Cup tournament. All matches were unsuccessful for the Lithuanians.
The match between the Lithuanian and Liechtenstein national teams will be played on Tuesday, September 10th from 6:30 PM at the "ARVI" arena in Marijampole. Tickets for the match are available on "Bilietai.lt."
