Euro 2016 Qualifying Round – Group E

Lithuania 1-0 Estonia

[lead]”Our game today turned out, probably not the most beautiful, but the most important thing – it’s three points,” – said the coach of the Lithuanian Igor Pankratiev after defeating the Estonians.[/lead]

[columns]

[column size=”half” last=”no”]
Head coach of the Lithuanian Igor Pankratiev:

As I expected, the match was difficult. Players said that the main threat will come from the Estonian “standards.” Moments were for both teams, but luck was on our side. Perhaps we did not show beautiful football, but the main thing today – it’s three points.
[/column]
[column size=”half” last=”yes”]
Head coach of Estonia Magnus Persson:

In the first half we played too straightforward. After a break to control the rhythm of the game, but in creating scoring chances did not succeed. I think we deserve a response goals, because in the end we had a couple of options. The Lithuanians did not surprise us. It is physically strong team, which like viscous football. We were ready for it, but have not earned points today.
[/column]

[/columns]

[columns]

[column size=”third” last=”no”]
Lithuania midfielder Saulius Mikolyunas:

I do not feel like a hero. Real heroes – is the fans who came to support the team, and we gave all the power to make people happy . They were our 12th player. Deividas Matulevicius gave an excellent transfer. I could only hit it – it was a snap. Today I was lucky, the next time the goal can someone else. We are only a little singed in the locker room – there is no time to celebrate.
[/column]
[column size=”third” last=”no”]
Halfback Arvydas Novikovas:

We dominated the first half, but after the break the initiative of the transition time to the opponent due to the fact that we are physically addicted. The main thing is that we won. From the beginning, I began to feel a growing confidence, and the defenders began to fear me. Estonians were thrown at me together, but then I moved to the center. As for the atmosphere, it is better here, I have not seen.
[/column]
[column size=”third” last=”yes”]
Defender Ragnar Klavan of Estonia:

The first half was more difficult. We were trying to get used to the lawn and played safely used long passes and tried to exert pressure on the defense of the Lithuanians. After the break, we have adapted to the conditions, have played in combination football, drew forwards to the operating room and created several scoring chances. As a result, all decided one goal. The meeting could end in our favor. Today, more fortunate Lithuania. The home team played a very organized, they did a great job. We tried to act compact and look for opportunities to score.
[/column]

[/columns]