---
title: "Jankauskas: “A tough lesson, but we’ll bounce back”"
date: 2025-10-10T10:38:50Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/jankauskas-a-tough-lesson-but-well-bounce-back/
categories: ["FIFA World Cup", "Lithuania"]
---

# Jankauskas: “A tough lesson, but we’ll bounce back”
![](https://i0.wp.com/balticfootballnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Edgaras-Jankauskas.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)Photo: Elvis Žaldaris/LFF

**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.”_

**Source:** [https://www.lff.lt/e-jankauskas-po-dvikovos-suomijoje-siame-lygyje-visas-atkarpas-reikia-moketi-zaisti-vienodai/](https://www.lff.lt/e-jankauskas-po-dvikovos-suomijoje-siame-lygyje-visas-atkarpas-reikia-moketi-zaisti-vienodai/)