After Lithuania’s 1-2 defeat to Finland on Thursday evening, national team head coach Edgaras Jankauskas offered a frank assessment of his team’s performance and the key moments that decided the match.
Lithuania had taken a first-half lead through Pijus Širvys, showing composure and control in the opening 45 minutes. But two quick goals from the hosts shortly after the restart turned the tide – and left Jankauskas with a sense of what could have been.
“We played a very mature and solid first half,” said Jankauskas. “We executed our game plan, scored a beautiful goal, and managed the initial pressure well. But unfortunately, we lost the match during a crucial 15-minute spell at the start of the second half.”
The coach pointed to defensive lapses and lost duels as key reasons for the turnaround.
“We allowed them to deliver crosses into the box too easily. The first goal was unlucky – a deflection in a crowded box – but it was still a blow. The second came from poor defensive positioning, leaving space that they punished.”
Despite the loss, Jankauskas remained measured and emphasized the need for consistency at the international level.
“At this level, you have to stay focused through all phases. That’s the lesson here. We can’t afford to switch off, even briefly – especially against strong opponents like Finland.”
With just a few days until Lithuania face Poland in Kaunas, recovery – both mental and physical – will be key.
“We need to regroup quickly. The players gave their all, and while the result is disappointing, there were positives. We’ll take the lessons, move on, and prepare for the next match.”
