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The Lithuanian national youth team (up to 21 years old), despite losing several key players due to a recent accident, narrowly defeated the team of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in the European Championship qualifying match at the Kaunas S.Dariaus and S.Girėnas Stadium and avenged their loss in the first match between the two teams.
In the other 7 group matches, Spain defeated Serbia and Montenegro at home thanks to two goals from A. Iniesta, becoming the leader with 17 points. However, this Spanish lead is likely temporary, as the Belgian team could overtake them in first place by winning against San Marino tonight.
Standings: 1. Spain 8 5 2 1 27-6 17 2. Serbia and Montenegro 8 5 1 2 22-10 16 3. Belgium 7 4 3 0 17-5 15 4. Lithuania 8 3 1 4 8-12 10 5. Bosnia and Herzegovina 8 2 1 5 11-14 7 6. San Marino 7 0 0 7 2-40 0
U-21 Lithuania 1 - 0 Bosnia and Herzegovina U-21 70' [1 - 0] Artūras Rimkevičius 84' Sejad Salihovič (Bosnia and Herzegovina) sent off.
Lithuanian starting lineup: Malinauskas, Skroblas, Žaliukas, Bagužis, Sokolovas, Miceika, Kalonas, Navikas (88' Šidlauskas), Lukša (70' Činikas), Pilibaitis, Rimkevičius (81' Vičius)
The hosts started the game aggressively and in the 7th minute, M. Kalonas was very close to scoring, but his shot went wide. The Bosnian attacks continued and soon after the goalkeeper saved A. Rimkevičius's shot, V. Lukša missed a great opportunity. The Lithuanians played attractive attacking football, and a few minutes later L. Pilibaitis headed the ball to V. Lukša, but his shot from 15 meters was inaccurate.
As the second half began, the initiative was with the visitors, threatening the Lithuanian goal. However, in the 70th minute, A. Rimkevičius broke the deadlock with a powerful shot from 13 meters. The situation for Bosnia worsened in the 84th minute when S. Salihovič received a red card for a rough challenge.
As the match approached the end, L. Pilibaitis had a chance to double the lead after M. Kalonas broke through, but his shot hit the post. In the last minute, Bosnia had a chance to equalize from a penalty, but they missed, and the Lithuanian youth team deservedly defeated their opponents, overtaking them in the standings.
Tomorrow, on Wednesday, the national teams will also compete in the World Cup qualifiers. The match at Vilnius "Vėtra" Stadium starts at 8:00 PM, and those unable to attend can watch the game live on TV3.
