Late Czech equaliser denies Lithuania dream Euro debut

Lithuania’s long-awaited European Championship debut delivered drama, quality and emotion in equal measure, but ultimately ended in frustration as Czechia snatched a last-gasp 3-3 draw in Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas.

The hosts were just 32 seconds away from a historic opening victory when Czechia struck late, with Mikus Francisco turning in the equaliser. Referees briefly consulted video review, but the goal stood, silencing the crowd of more than 5,000 after an unforgettable evening of futsal.

All six goals came in a frantic first half, with Lithuania twice responding to setbacks and briefly leading through Vladimir Derendiajev’s strike just before the break.

Nerves were evident early on for the tournament debutants. Goalkeeper Ernestas Macenis was forced into multiple interventions in the opening minutes as Czechia controlled possession. Lithuania’s first major chance came in the third minute when a long Macenis pass sparked chaos in the Czech box – four shots in quick succession, two saves, one block, and finally Paulius Osauskas rattling the side netting.

The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute – and it went Czechia’s way. Captain Michal Seidler produced a stunning first-time half-volley from just right of centre to open the scoring in style.

Lithuania responded with growing belief. As Czechia’s aggressive pressing led to fouls, the hosts found their rhythm and created a moment for the history books. From a perfectly worked kick-in, Zagurskas switched play to Edgaras Baranauskas, who unleashed a sensational first-time volley into the top corner – Lithuania’s first-ever goal at a European Championship, making it 1-1.

Czechia regrouped quickly, and Seidler struck again to restore the visitors’ lead, but Lithuania once more refused to fold. In the 17th minute, Ignas Raštutis intercepted a loose Czech pass and calmly rolled the ball into an empty net to level the score at 2-2.

Momentum swung decisively toward the hosts as halftime approached. Another Zagurskas set-piece caught Czechia completely off guard, his low delivery finding Vladimir Derendiajev unmarked at the far post. The finish was clinical, and Lithuania headed into the break 3-2 up, with the arena erupting in celebration.

The second half told a very different story. Czechia dominated possession as they searched for an equaliser, while Lithuania focused on compact defending and counterattacks. Macenis was outstanding between the posts, producing a series of crucial saves to keep his side in front.

Lithuania nearly sealed the win eight minutes from time when Reimaris broke clear on the counter, but the Czech goalkeeper rushed out aggressively and denied him in a one-on-one.

As the clock ticked down, Czechia threw everything forward – and finally found the breakthrough. With just 32 seconds remaining, Mikus Francisco bundled the ball into the net from close range. A tense video review followed, but the officials confirmed the goal, crushing Lithuanian hopes of a dream debut victory.

The final whistle soon followed, confirming a 3–3 draw that felt like defeat for the hosts, but still marked a historic first point at the European Championship.

Earlier in Group B, fellow debutants Armenia stunned Ukraine 2-1 in another major upset. Lithuania return to action on Sunday, when they face Ukraine in what already shapes up to be a crucial group-stage clash in their second group match.

Lithuania vs Czechia – 3:3 (3:2)
Goals: Baranauskas 13’, Raštutis 17’ Derendiajev 19’ | Seidler 10’ 15’, Francisco 60’

Lithuania starting lineup: Macenis (G), Baranauskas, Reimaris, Voskunovič, Zagurskas (C)
Lithuania bench: Jaskutis (G), Bučma, Derendiajev, Juchno, Osauskas, Raštutis, Sendžikas, Spietinis, Vasylius

Czechia starting lineup: Hula (G), D.Drozd, P.Drozd, Seidler (C), Zaruba
Czechia bench: Zezulka (G), Holy, Knovloch, Koudelka, F.Mikus, J.Mikus, Rhouila, Vnuk, Zapotocky