Lithuanian media enthusiastically displayed national pride this week, as their national team pushed the Netherlands to the brink before losing 3-2 in Kaunas.
The Dutch outlet NOS Sport looked back through some of the Balkan nation’s press coverage on this match that caused many to doubt Ronald Koeman’s stubborn tactics in the Oranje dugout.
“Lithuanians beat Dutch star players twice,” Delfi headlined. “Incredible fight,” Lrytas wrote. It was simply unprecedented that Lithuania, ranked 143rd in the FIFA world rankings, managed to score twice against the Netherlands, who are ranked 7th.
“The stadium exploded, people went absolutely crazy,” says Mantas Krasnickas, a sports reporter for Lithuania’s TV3. “No one in Lithuania had any expectations beforehand. I thought: the Netherlands wants revenge for that match against Poland (1-1) and will shoot us into double figures. But after conceding the second goal, a miracle happened.”
A record crowd of nearly 15,000 filed into the Darius and Girėnas Stadium. They came for their national stars, but also those from the Dutch camp. Krasnickas continues, “Lithuanian players (in particular) really look up to players like Van Dijk and Gakpo, who play in top leagues like the Premier League.”
“Even Bart Verbruggen is single-handedly more creative than 10 of the 11 Lithuanian players. All the Dutch players are incredibly talented. You see that in the Premier League as well. You can expect more against a team like Lithuania, especially considering their salaries.
“Most of them even earn between €1,000 and €2,000 a month, I suspect. About what Van Dijk gets per touch.”
“Controlling the ball and creating chances isn’t something we can do. But running fast and surprising others is. That’s the secret, the reason we can sometimes compete with better countries,” Krasnickas says.
Apparently, a funny incident occurred during the five-goal game, where Van Dijk whispered to Edvinas Girdvainis. “‘I’ll score against you soon.’ In the very next attack, I scored myself,” the 32-year-old star beamed afterwards.
Krasnickas believes his reaction to Van Dijk’s mind games speak volumes about the Lithuanian mentality. “We come across as cold personalities. We’re not much of a talker; we show it.”
He also finds it telling that national coach Ronald Koeman brought on an extra defender just before the end to secure the victory.
“When Koeman brought on Matthijs de Ligt for Donyell Malen, I thought: am I dreaming? Is he really doing this? Five defenders against Lithuania, who now have to defend the lead?! The fact that Koeman was afraid Lithuania would score again speaks volumes.”
