What initially promised to be an exciting outcome, after Lithuania took a 1:0 lead in the first half, ultimately ended in a disappointing loss and a frustrating performance, one that, as is often the case with this team, could easily have swung the other way.
Right from the start of the first half, Edgaras Jankauskas’ men showed they were no weaker side. Lithuania looked well-organized defensively and composed in possession, executing their crosses and transitions with precision. Aside from a few errors, one resulting in a yellow card and two dangerous free kicks, the Baltic team played with notable confidence.
Twenty-five minutes into the match, Lithuania surprisingly broke the deadlock. After a sharp, threatening run down the left flank by Sigma Olomouc winger Artūr Dolžnikov, his cross was deflected by a Finnish defender, falling kindly to Pijus Širvys. The Lithuanian right-back seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful strike that left the Finnish goalkeeper with no chance. This was Širvys’ fourth career goal with the Lithuanian national team.
Once again, there was no sign of panic. Even with the lead, Lithuania’s defence remained as solid and disciplined as before.
Forty minutes into the game, Finland mounted a dangerous attack when Leo Walta tried his luck from a promising position. But Lithuania’s goalkeeper, Tomas Švedkauskas, reacted brilliantly and pulled off a crucial save to deny Finland their best opportunity of the first half.
Yet in the 49th minute, after a dangerous cross and a scramble in the box, Finland quickly found the equalizer, just a few minutes into the second half. Although the goal was initially ruled offside, the referee consulted the VAR and eventually allowed it to stand.
Just five minutes later, the Scandinavians took advantage of a lapse in Lithuania’s defence to score their second of the night. After a promising first half, Edgaras Jankauskas’ men suddenly fell apart, conceding twice within the opening ten minutes of the second period.
Finland appeared to have completely changed their approach and mentality after the break, and their two goals reflected the much-improved performance they delivered in the second half.
Ultimately, Finland held on to their lead until the final whistle, securing a narrow but crucial victory. Lithuania, meanwhile, remain on just 3 points from 6 matches and continue to wait for their first win, a goal that now seems increasingly out of reach.
Edgaras Jankauskas’ side will next face Poland in Kaunas on October 12.
Finland vs Lithuania – 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: P.Širvys 25’ (LT) | B.Kallman (FIN) 48’ | A.Markhiev 55’ (FIN)
FIN: V.Sinisalo, N.Alho, J.Lahteenmaki (A.Stahl 82′), V.Koski, R.Ivanov, O.Antman (T.Keskinen 82′), A.Markhiev (R.Lod 60’), K.Kairinen, L.Walta (M.Peltola 82′), J.Pohjanpalo, B.Kallman (C.Terho 65′)
LT: T.Švedkauskas, P.Širvys, V.Armalas (G.Sirgėdas 77′), E.Girdvainis, A.Tutyškinas, J.Lasickas, P.Golubickas (V.Slivka 59’), M.Vorobjovas, G.Gineitis, A.Dolžnikov (E.Jankauskas 59’), G.Paulauskas (N.Petkevičius 77′)
World Cup 2026 qualifying Group G
| # | Team | GP | W | D | L | PTS |
| 1 | Netherlands | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| 2 | Poland | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 17 |
| 3 | Finland | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 |
| 4 | Malta | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | Lithuania | 8 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
