Tomas Švedkauskas – 8
Hero of the evening. The only Latvian shot on target resulted in a spectacular goal, but in that situation, the Marijampolė native could hardly have changed anything – Maksimas Toniševas headed too precisely.
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“You can probably always do something better,” T. Švedkauskas said modestly, recalling the episode.
However, when the penalty shootout came, the “Kauno Žalgiris” goalkeeper became the person who gave the team backbone. Twice he was very close to the goal, reacted perfectly to the opponents’ shots, and finally “pulled off” Kristeris Penkevics’ attempt. In such moments, goalkeepers either disappear into the general noise or come to the forefront. Tomas stepped up.
Edgaras Utkus – 7
With Artemijus Tutyškinas and Kipras Kažukolovas out of the lineup, he solidified the Lithuanian national team’s defense, played in the center of the line, and bravely participated in an aerial duel in the very first seconds. Fortunately, after absorbing a hard blow from an opponent, he did not suffer an injury and was able to continue the match.
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When the Lithuanians scored, he once again participated excellently “in the air” and with a single touch of his head immediately managed to put Armandas Kučys one-on-one against the opponents’ goal.
In the episode of the conceded goal, he could also have been closer to Maksimas Toniševas.
In the penalty shootout, he demonstrated leadership qualities: he went first to shoot, shot confidently, and thus sent a message to his teammates – there is no room for panic here.
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