Lithuania and Estonia split points in a goalless World Cup qualifier

Lithuania were held to a 0-0 draw by Estonia in Raudondvaris in their second match of the opening international window of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying.

Tomas Ražanauskas’ side arrived in form after a 6-1 away win over Liechtenstein, and again started on the front foot, with play moving quickly through midfield. Rimantė Jonušaitė repeatedly found space to drive at the Estonian back line, but was denied twice by Käpa in the opening 15 minutes.

Estonia’s best moment of the first half came in the 10th minute when Katrin Kirpu broke down the right and pulled the ball back for captain Vlada Kubassova, who failed to hit the target. Kubassova then went closer from a corner on 31st minute, only for Lithuania goalkeeper Meda Šeškutė to get in front of her close-range effort.

Estonia started the second half with more intent, but Loviise Männiste’s attempt from the edge of the area drifted off target. Lithuania then produced two clear chances in quick succession. Ugnė Lazdauskaitė’s close-range effort was denied by the visiting goalkeeper, before Jonušaitė sent a shot narrowly wide.

In stoppage time, Liucija Vaitukaitytė tested Käpa once again, forcing a save that pushed the ball over the crossbar.

Speaking to Soccernet TV after the match, Estonia head coach Aleksandra Ševoldajeva reflected on the challenges her team faced. “Definitely better than the previous match against Lithuania [friendly that Estonia lost 2-0], but I can’t be satisfied with everything,” Ševoldajeva said. “There were more moments we had under control, but we didn’t manage to threaten in behind their press the way we wanted. In the first half they pressed very high, strong man-to-man – we didn’t find good solutions straight away. In the second half we handled some situations better.”

Lithuania’s qualifying campaign continues in April, with Bosnia and Herzegovina visiting on 14 April before a return fixture away to Estonia on 18 April. Estonia came into this fixture from a 3-1 defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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