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After two responsible and tough matches within the ranks of the national Lithuanian team, Andrius Skerla has already contributed to the "Vėtra" club, which on Thursday went to Palanga to prepare for the upcoming Baltic League away matches against Riga's "Skonto".
Having played without substitutions against the world vice-champion France and the quarterfinalist of the World Cup Ukraine, A. Skerla officially stated on the "Vėtra" website that he hoped to recover his strength before the match against "Skonto", where it will be determined who will become the group winner.
- In both European Championship qualification matches, the Lithuanian team suffered defeats by a minimal margin. What was missing to secure at least one point?
- A bit of luck was missing. We created few chances in attack, and when playing against such powerful opponents, you need to take advantage of even the slightest opportunities, otherwise it is hard to hope for a favorable result. Unfortunately, our opponents took their chances, and we did not. Both the French and the Ukrainians surpassed us with their skill. We fought till the end and gave our all. Unfortunately, it was not enough to secure points.
- In your opinion, which team is stronger – France or Ukraine?
- It was harder to play against Ukraine. They played at home, where they were supported by a full stadium of enthusiastic fans. The Ukrainians were particularly motivated, victory was very important for them, fighting for a spot in the European Championship. The French played more cautiously. They relied on experience, waited for their moment, and took advantage of it.
- In the match against France, Nicola Anelka needed to be covered, what impression did this forward make on you?
- Such forwards do not allow peace throughout the entire match. We managed Anelka quite successfully for a long time. We did not allow him to freely receive the ball, leaving him on the sidelines a few times. However, one mistake in defense and Anelka punished us severely. It says a lot about the skill of this forward.
- Many feared Andriy Shevchenko, but the Ukrainian superstar did not score, is that the merit of the Lithuanian national team defenders?
- I have not played against Shevchenko before, but I have seen many matches with him playing for Milan and now representing Chelsea. In my opinion, this forward's athletic form has deteriorated, and it is no coincidence that he receives a lot of criticism in England. But Shevchenko is still Shevchenko, it was not easy to play against him.
- Over the course of two matches, you had to face many stars, which one left the biggest impression on you?
- Andriy Voronin, he played fantastically. Voronin was everywhere – he created opportunities himself, constantly tried to break free, thus deceiving defenders and giving freedom to his teammates. I felt one hundred percent dedication of this forward on the field, he helped the team in defense as well, fought for every ball.
- After the match with the French, the Lithuanian national team coach Algimantas Liubinskas said that the players competing in the A League are from the amateur league, how did you react to such statements by the coach?
- It was really unpleasant for me, as well as for other Lithuanian national team players playing in the A League, to hear such musings from the coach. I have played many matches in the Lithuanian national team, and no coach has ever said that our country's national championship is an amateur league. The coach should support the players, no matter where they play, because he himself invited them to the national team. What is better – to play in a strong Lithuanian club or sit on the bench in a foreign club?! Perhaps the press blew up this coach's statement too much, but the fact remains that in the coach's opinion, the players competing in the A League are amateurs.
- You played two tough matches without substitutions in a few days, will you be able to recover for the "Vėtra" match against "Skonto"?
- I hope I will be able to recover, as a lot of energy was used. The journey from Ukraine was very exhausting, we had to spend five hours at the airport due to a plane malfunction. I didn't sleep all night, and in the morning, I had to go to Palanga with "Vėtra". But in the evening, after training and sauna, I feel better.
- In the match against "Skonto", it will be decided who will become the group winner, who do you consider the favorite of this match?
- We should have won the meeting in Vilnius, but we did not take advantage of the created opportunities. I hope things will go better in Riga. It is unclear how we will adapt to the changed pitch. We will only have a few trainings on grass, as we have been training on artificial turf lately. Despite that, we are determined and will aim for victory.
