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In the second match of the second stage of the European youth (U-19) championship qualifiers, the Lithuanian team failed to beat their Hungarian peers - the match ended goalless.
Earlier today, in the other match, Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 and took the first place in the group. For Lithuania to catch up with them, they also needed a victory.
The first half was even, with better chances for the Hungarian players, but Lithuanian goalkeeper Kilijonas saved his team. In the very first minute of the second half, the Hungarians were very close to scoring, but a fumble prevented them. Five minutes before the end of the match, Hungarian player Kovacs was sent off the pitch with a second yellow card. Shortly after, Kilijonas got injured, but all substitutions had been used, so one outfield player had to go in goal. Even though five minutes were added, the match ended in a draw with a score of 0-0.
[Updated]
First group standings: (Position, Country, Goals Scored-Goals Conceded, Goal Difference, Points) 1. Spain 1-0 +1 4 2. Hungary 1-0 +1 4 3. Lithuania 0-0 0 2 4. Netherlands 0-2 -2 0
The group winner will advance to the final stage of the European U19 championship. On Monday, in the final qualifier matches at 20:00 local time, Lithuania will play against the Netherlands, and Spain will face Hungary.
If Lithuania beats the Netherlands 2-0 and the other matches end in draws, the teams would be tied on points, but due to a better goal difference, Lithuania would win the group.
If Lithuania wins 1-0 and Spain and Hungary draw, all three teams would be tied on points and goal difference. In that case, the fair play rule would come into play - with the Hungarians likely to be eliminated due to their high number of cards. As Lithuania has only received one yellow card so far, they would probably surpass the Spaniards in that regard. If a tie still remains, then the decision would be made by drawing lots.
