Lithuania’s U21 national team wrapped up the November international window with the match on Tuesday in the Euro U21 qualifying, falling 2-1 at home to Group H leaders Turkey despite a spirited second-half push.
The match in Kaunas began in the worst possible way for Rokas Garastas’ side, with the visitors striking just minute after kickoff. A precise pass from Berkay Yilmaz unlocked the Lithuanian defence, allowing Ali Habesoglu to finish clinically. Turkey kept the pressure on, creating several dangerous moments through Habesoglu, Emirhan Ilkhan and Semih Kilıcsoy. Lithuania’s best chance of the half came in the 37th minute, when a powerful effort from Darius Stankevičius forced a strong save from the Turkish goalkeeper.
The second half brought more possession for Turkey but far more resistance from the home side. Lithuania grew into the match and were rewarded in the 75th minute from a set piece: Stankevičius’ free kick was parried by Deniz Dilmen, and Domantas Šluta reacted quickest to stab the rebound into the net.
But Lithuania’s celebration was short-lived. Just a minute later, Turkey struck back, with Cihan Canak delivering a cross from the right for Habesoglu to score his second of the evening.
Garastas’ men came agonisingly close to equalising late on. In the 83rd minute, Dilmen mishandled a strike from Denis Ževžikovas, and arriving at pace, Romualdas Jansonas smashed the rebound off the crossbar. Moments later, Šluta directed a header on goal, only for defender Yasin Özcan to throw himself in the way and preserve Turkey’s lead.
Turkey held firm to secure a 2-1 victory, while Lithuania were left to rue missed chances and a narrow defeat.
Lithuania have started the campaign with one point in five games and sitting last in their qualifying table, earlier in the window, Lithuania suffered a 4-0 loss away to Croatia and will return to qualifying action next year, with an away match against Ukraine scheduled for March 27.
Lithuania U-21 vs Turkey U-21 – 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Šluka 75′ | Habesoglu 1′ 76′
Source: https://www.lff.lt/vaikinu-u21-rinktine-pralaimejo-atrankos-grupes-lyderiams/
