It was against the Spanish national team that Lithuanians played their last official match. In the selection for the Olympic Games held in Hungary, the Lithuanians were stronger, winning 2:0.
In the first half, our national team tested the patience of the fans – they were unable to score against the Spanish team, which looked quite modest on the ice.
However, already at the beginning of the second half, Tadas Kumeliauskas found himself alone in front of the opponent’s goal and opened the scoring for Lithuania.
“We have that youth in the national team. But maybe he was too excited. I was lucky to score the first goal, even though I’m not a specialist in first goals”, said the 33-year-old T. Kumeliauskas, who was recognized as the best player of the match and plays in Germany.
After this goal, the team relaxed more and with 3 minutes left to fight in the second half. Paulius Gintautas, who was in the goalkeeper’s penalty area, directed the puck.
In the third quarter, the Lithuanians excelled again, receiving the puck right at the opponent’s goal: in the 55th minute of the duel, Laisvydas Kudrevičius scored and he “closed” the result of the duel.
“It was the first duel, and we were not yet at the level we should be with the Spaniards. Although the division is known to everyone, teams change, coaches’ visions change, so everything needs to be planned anew. I’m happy with the win, but I wanted a slightly easier match,” Canadian national team coach Ron Pasco explained on Saturday.
Already on Sunday, the Lithuanian national team will face the Estonian team in the second match. The latter team played the last match of the day against one of the favorite Ukrainian teams.
“No, we will not stay to watch the Estonian match. We don’t want to stay another two hours. We plan to rest more, and the coaches will provide all the necessary information about this opponent on Sunday morning”, said T.Kumeliauskas.
– Maybe there is no need to analyze it? After all, they are full-time Lithuanian rivalsT.Kumeliauskas was asked.
– As the coach said, however, both the players and the battle plan created by the strategists are changing. It’s not like everything about the rivals is known.
– But does past experience still tell us something about Estonians?
– Estonians have always been tall and physical men. They are technical players, so I know it won’t be easy.
– How many points would you give the Lithuanian team for the match against Spain?
– I will not judge by points. Because the goal was to win. This match was more difficult, not what we wanted.
We needed to take the pressure off our shoulders and we did. It was important to win, but with what result and how – here is another question.
– About 2,000 people watched the match of the Lithuanian national team. fans. Thought there would be more support in the stands?
– Our goal is to play and we don’t really focus on other things. I understand that a little bit more fans were wanted, but if we fight well, then the fans will also increase.
