© EuroFootball.com
The Lithuanian national team suffered their second defeat in the 2008 European Championship qualifying matches. They lost 0-1 to the French national team, with the only goal of the match scored in the 73rd minute by the away team's forward Nicolas Anelka.
In the other Group B matches on Saturday, there were no surprises - Ukraine defeated the Faroe Islands 2-0 away, and Scotland defeated Georgia at home after a tough battle and won 2-1.
Kaunas S.Darius and S.Girenas Stadium, 8000 spectators Referee - Howard Webb (England) Lithuania 0 - 1 France 73' [0 - 1] Nicolas Anelka
Lithuania: Karčemarskas; Paulauskas, Žvirgždauskas, Skerla, Klimavičius; Morinas (82' Beniušis), Šemberas, Savėnas (77' Kalonas), Stankevičius; Danilevičius, Poškus (87' Radzinevičius)
France: Coupet; Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Sagnol; Makelele, Toulalan, L.Diarra; Malouda (89' Diaby), Anelka, Govou (62' Cisse)
The match began cautiously for both teams. Lithuanian Tomas Danilevičius attempted the first long shot, but his shot missed the goal.
In the 15th minute, Frenchman Willy Sagnol took a penalty shot, which caused confusion in the Lithuanian penalty area, but the hosts managed to clear the ball away from their own goal.
Shortly after, Florent Malouda took a long shot, but Lithuanian goalkeeper Žydrūnas Karčemarskas easily caught the weakly hit ball.
One of the most dangerous moments in front of the Lithuanian goal in the first half came when Nicolas Anelka headed the ball towards the goal, but his shot was confidently blocked by Ž.Karčemarskas.
Midway through the first half, the French managed to take control and create several opportunities, but neither N.Anelka nor Eric Abidal could score.
As the first half was nearing its end, Lithuania had several chances to score: first, after a penalty shot by Mantas Savėnas, Arūnas Klimavičius headed the ball near the goal, then Deividas Šemberas' shot flew over the goal, and after a cross from Marius Stankevičius, Wily Sagnol blocked Robertas Poškus' shot.
The first half ended with a score of 0-0.
Lithuania started the second half a bit more actively, but they failed to create any dangerous chances near the opponent's goal.
In the 55th minute, Marius Stankevičius took a strong shot from the right, but the ball went wide of the goal.
Shortly after, N.Anelka's shot was blocked by Andrius Skerla, and Ž.Karčemarskas saved Florent Malouda's attempt.
In the middle of the half, A.Klimavičius tried to surprise the French goalkeeper Grégory Coupet with a shot from halfway, but unfortunately, the ball did not reach the target.
The French responded with long shots from Djibril Cisse and Jeremy Toulalan, but they couldn't score.
Nevertheless, in the 73rd minute, the first goal came. N.Anelka, who had been active throughout the match, managed to break free from the defenders and sent the ball into the Lithuanian goal with a precise long shot. The score became 1-0 in favor of France.
After conceding the goal, Lithuania's game intensified. Igoris Morinas took a dangerous shot from the penalty area, but the French defenders managed to redirect his shot behind the goal line.
The Lithuanians continued to attack, but the solid French defense line prevented them from creating very dangerous situations. The last chance to equalize the score came after substitute Mindaugas Kalonas appeared on the field, but his shot flew high over the goal.
The final whistle of the match confirmed France's victory with a minimal margin of 1-0.
In the next qualifying match for the 2008 European Championship, the Lithuanian national team will play away against Ukraine on March 28.
