Latvia’s U-19 national team booked their place in the UEFA European Championship Elite Round after a tense 2:1 victory over Lithuania in Tuesday’s decisive Baltic derby at the Raudondvaris Stadium.
With both sides entering the match still alive in the qualification race, the equation was simple: Latvia needed a win, while Lithuania could advance with a draw.
Latvia came into the final group match carrying both promise and scars – a spirited 2:2 draw against Scotland followed by a painful 0:7 loss to England. Lithuania, meanwhile, had produced an impressive response after their own defeat to England, battling from behind to beat Scotland 2:1. With progression hanging in the balance, the rivalry added an extra edge.
The Latvians seized momentum first. Watford academy midfielder Marats Gaļajevs found a pocket of space at the edge of the penalty area and drilled a precise shot into the corner, giving Latvia the ideal start. Lithuania reacted with purpose, crafting several dangerous opportunities before producing a spectacular equaliser. After winning the ball in midfield, Skirmantas Paukštys released Šiauliai attacker Nedas Garbaliauskas, who unleashed a brilliant strike into the near top corner past Rodrigo Vītols.
But as in the first half, Latvia emerged quicker after the restart. Inter Milan academy forward Roberts Kukulis pounced inside the box, turning in a loose ball for his first goal of the qualifying campaign and pushing Latvia back in front. Lithuania again found themselves forced to chase the match and came agonisingly close – including a dramatic goal-line clearance by a Latvian defender. On the occasions when Lithuania broke through, Aberdeen goalkeeper Vītols stood tall.
Latvia held their nerve in the final minutes, sealing a victory that sends them to the Elite Round for the fourth consecutive qualification cycle.
The UEFA European U-19 Championship final tournament will take place next summer in Wales.
Lithuania U-19 vs Latvia U-19 – 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: Garbaliauskas 38′ | Gaļajevs 18′, Kukulis 53′
