Finland Maintains Unbeaten Streak Under Friis as Lithuania Mounts Late Comeback

Lithuania staged an impressive comeback from 2-0 down to earn a commendable 2-2 draw against Finland in an engaging FIFA World Cup qualifier (WCQ). This result not only marked the end of Trispalves’ unfortunate eight-match losing streak in all competitions but also disrupted Jacob Friis’ flawless start as manager of Finland.

Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Malta just a few days prior, Friis’ team could not have wished for a better beginning against Lithuania.

It took Finland only four minutes to open the scoring when Kaan Kairinen found the back of the net from close range after Joel Pohjanpalo’s initial shot was blocked.

Riding high on the early goal, the visitors extended their advantage in the 17th minute when Pohjanpalo calmly converted a penalty following a reckless challenge from Edvinas Girdvainis inside the area.

With a two-goal deficit looming just 20 minutes into the match, Lithuania frantically sought a way back. However, Lukas Hradecky, in the Finnish goal, kept the hosts at bay, turning aside efforts from both Armandas Kučys and Edgaras Utkus in quick succession.

The home side continued to pose a threat in attack, and, after Gvidas Gineitis and Kučys had their attempts thwarted by Hradecky, they finally found the back of the net six minutes before half-time. Kučys slammed a well-placed finish inside the near post from 12 yards out.

As the second half kicked off, Lithuania aimed to carry their momentum forward, but clear chances were hard to come by despite their dominance in possession.

Yet, Edgaras Jankauskas’ side kept the pressure on as the match ticked into the final 25 minutes, and their persistence paid off when Gineitis unleashed a stunning long-range effort that found the corner of the net, leaving Hradecky with no chance.

This strike set the stage for an exhilarating finish, with both teams vying for a winning goal late on.

Substitute Benjamin Källman missed a golden opportunity with a header from within the six-yard box for Finland, and that turned out to be the closest either team came to claiming all three points. Lithuania’s disappointing record in WCQ now stands at just two wins from their last 20 matches (D4, L14).

On the other hand, Finland remains unbeaten in WCQ after experiencing six consecutive defeats to conclude 2024.