Lithuania started their new UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory away against Liechtenstein on Thursday evening. Second-half strikes from debut goalscorer Lukas Michelbrink and Artūr Dolžnikov secured all three points.
After a goalless first half, the visitors broke the deadlock when Michelbrink finished off an individual run to score his first goal for the national team. Dolžnikov doubled the advantage a few minutes later with a long-range strike to seal the victory.
Head coach Edgaras Jankauskas highlighted that Lithuania were the superior side on the night and fully deserved the result. “I think we played a really good game. It is hard to say whether we are group favourites now, but in this match we were clearly the better team, even though it was not easy. In the first half we felt constant resistance, created several chances, but failed to score. The opponents defended actively, and they did not create much near our goal because of our quality play, ball control and patience. It is nice that we scored two goals, Adrian Lickūnas made his debut, and we saw Lukas Michelbrink’s first goal in a Lithuania shirt, so it was certainly a good match,” Jankauskas said.
Jankauskas added that the match unfolded as expected against a defensive opposition. “The match unfolded according to the scenario we expected. We knew we would have more of the ball, dominate with it, and the only question was how we would succeed in breaking through their dense defence. It was good that we scored relatively quickly after the break, then that tension eased a bit. The opponents had a clear game plan – defence, a bit of tricks, burning time or lying down, time was their ally today, but only until the first goal,” he explained.
Addressing the physical nature of the game, he noted: “Playing against an opponent who compensates for their shortcomings with toughness, we also needed the same, because the first half showed that skill alone is not enough. We had to win more duels, which we did. The men executed their tasks very well and we scored two wonderful goals: one with individual skill, the other with a wonderful long-range strike. This match showed that we are a better and stronger team when we turn on the highest gears, quickness or ball movement makes the difference.”
The head coach also commended Michelbrink’s composure and reflected on Dolžnikov returning to the side. “He certainly did not surprise me, I have seen many of his matches, his quality in tight spaces where there are many legs around. He knows how to find gaps and today he demonstrated that even against the goalkeeper he can get out of a seemingly tricky situation,” Jankauskas said of Michelbrink.
Speaking about Dolžnikov, he added: “We had a talk with him, he with the team. Everyone in life has made mistakes and actions we regret. It is a life situation from which both he, all of us, and other players need to learn. He returned, scored a goal, helped the team, came into the game well. He is a player we need and it is pleasing that he is with us.” Lithuania return to action on Sunday when they host Azerbaijan.
