Lithuania set for historic Futsal EURO debut in Kaunas

Today marks a historic moment for Lithuanian futsal as the national team makes its debut at the UEFA Futsal European Championship finals. On the tournament’s second day, Lithuania will take to the court at Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas, hosting the Czech Republic. Kick-off in Kaunas is scheduled for 20:00 local time.

The championship began yesterday in another Baltic capital, Riga, which -together with Kaunas and Ljubljana – serves as one of the host cities of this European Championship. On the opening day, Latvia’s national futsal team made history of its own, becoming the first debutant at a EURO finals to record a clean-sheet victory, defeating Georgia 4-0. In the other Group A encounter, France and Croatia shared the points after an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Today the spotlight shifts to Group B, based in Kaunas. The day’s action begins with Ukraine facing Armenia, before the evening clash in which Lithuania’s national team will experience its long-awaited EURO finals debut against the Czech Republic, currently ranked 17th in the world.

Unlike Lithuania, the Czech national team is a seasoned participant in major futsal tournaments, having regularly competed at both European and World Championships. Although they failed to qualify for the last two European Championships – the most recent appearance dating back to 2016 – their absence from the 2018 tournament ended an impressive streak of eight consecutive EURO qualifications. Historically, the Czech Republic have won bronze medals twice at the European Championship, while in six other appearances they were unable to progress beyond the group stage.

Under the guidance of head coach Dentinho, Lithuania has faced the Czech Republic recently. Just one month ago, on December 17, the two teams met in a pre-tournament friendly, where the Czechs claimed a 6- 3 victory. Lithuania’s goals in that match were scored by Edgaras Baranauskas, Justinas Zagurskas, and Vladimir Derendiajev – all three of whom are included in Lithuania’s 14-man squad for this European Championship.

The teams also crossed paths twice in April 2023 during FIFA Futsal World Cup qualification. On that occasion, the Czech Republic emerged victorious in both matches, winning 5-2 at home and edging a narrow 2-1 win in Lithuania.

Lithuania’s squad for the tournament is made up entirely of players from domestic clubs. The strongest representation comes from reigning national champions Kaunas Žalgiris, who contribute eight players. Jonava Vikings are represented by five players, while one squad member comes from Gargždų Pramogos.

Lithuania Futsal National Team

Goalkeepers:

• Gustas Jaskutis (Jonavos Vikingai)
• Ernestas Macenis (FK Kauno Žalgiris)

Outfield Players:

• Paulius Osauskas (Jonavos Vikingai)
• Ignas Raštutis (Jonavos Vikingai)
• Edgaras Baranauskas (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Lukas Sendžikas (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Tomas Bučma (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Vladimir Derendiajev (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Benas Spietinis (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Artūr Juchno (Jonavos Vikingai)
• Gytis Vasylius (Jonavos Vikingai)
• Paulius Lotužys (Gargždų Pramogos)
• Albert Voskunovič (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
• Justinas Zagurskas (FK Kauno Žalgiris)