The second matchday of the UEFA U-19 Championship qualifying round delivered plenty of drama for the Baltic teams – Estonia claimed another sensational draw against European giants, Lithuania mounted a courageous comeback, while Latvia suffered a heavy defeat against England’s star-studded squad.
Estonia Continue Their Miracle Run in Portugal
Just three days after shocking hosts and group favourites Portugal with a 1-1 draw, Estonia’s U-19 side produced another remarkable result – this time holding Belgium to the same scoreline.
Their draw against Portugal required only two shots on target, one of which Levadia midfielder Maksimilian Skvortsov converted with clinical precision. Today’s challenge was equally daunting: Belgium, who had edged North Macedonia thanks to a goal from Club Brugge prospect Yanis Musuayi.
For long stretches the match remained goalless, and unlike the clash with Portugal, Belgium weren’t able to dominate in the statistical columns. Estonian coach Siim Valtna made a decisive substitution in the 72nd minute, introducing Wolfsburg academy player Trevor Hint. Just three minutes later, Hint struck the opener following a well-timed pass from Matthias Limberg.
Belgium, however, responded quickly. A clever substitution of their own brought Jakke Van Britsom into the game, and six minutes after coming on he restored parity. The 1-1 draw held until the final whistle, securing a crucial point for Estonia, who now hold realistic hopes of reaching the Elite Round.
A decisive showdown awaits on Tuesday against North Macedonia – win, and Estonia will almost certainly make the Elite Round.
Estonia U-19 vs Belgium U-19 – 1:1 (0:0)
Goals: Hint 75′ | Van Britsom 82′
Lithuania Turn the Match Around to Beat Scotland 2-1
Over in Lithuania’s Raudondvaris stadium, the hosts kept their Elite Round dreams alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory against Scotland.
Lithuania had already impressed in their opening match, narrowly losing 0-2 to England despite a strong performance. Scotland arrived after a 2-2 draw with Latvia, and both sides knew that defeat today would almost eliminate their chances of finishing in the top two.
It was Scotland who struck first, as Owen Stirton found the net late in the first half. But Lithuania came out transformed after the break. In the 56th minute, Valencia academy talent Dominykas Taučas levelled the score, and with 11 minutes left, Skirmantas Paukštys – currently playing in Italy for Monopoli – completed the turnaround with a precise finish.
Despite Scotland’s desperate push to equalise, Lithuania held on to claim their first victory of the mini-tournament and leap right back into the race.
Lithuania U-19 vs Scotland U-19 – 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: Taučas 56′, Paukštys 79′ | Stirton 35′
Latvia Overwhelmed by Brilliant England in a 0-7 Rout
Latvia’s afternoon was far more painful. Coming off a promising 2-2 draw with Scotland, Viktors Dobrecovs’ side were simply unable to cope with England’s Premier League-level talent, collapsing to a 0-7 defeat.
England struck early and often, scoring three goals in the opening 23 minutes through Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Divine Mukasa (Manchester City), and Jesse Derry (Chelsea). Just before halftime, Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg added the fourth.
The second half brought no respite. Chelsea’s Jesse Derry completed a hat-trick, while Mukasa scored his second from the penalty spot. The 7-0 final scoreline leaves Latvia in a difficult position – yet not entirely out of contention.
Lithuania’s win over Scotland reshaped the group dynamics. If Scotland fail to produce a miracle against England, the final spot in the Elite Round will be decided directly between Latvia and Lithuania in their head-to-head clash on 18 November.
Latvia U-19 vs England U-19 – 0:7 (0:4)
Goals: Ngumoha 2′, Mukasa 11′ (Penalty kick) 72′ (Penalty kick), Derry 23′ 52′ 62′, Rigg 40′
