Lithuania 0-1 Cyprus in UEFA Nations League 2024: Goals, Highlights, and Match Report
Match Overview
Lithuania hosted Cyprus at the LFF Stadium in Vilnius on Friday, June 9, 2023, in their opening match of the 2024 UEFA Nations League.
The visitors, Cyprus, secured a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a first-half strike from Pieros Sotiriou.
First Half: Cyprus Takes the Lead
Cyprus started the match brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute.
Charalambos Charalambous delivered a cross from the right flank, finding Sotiriou unmarked in the box.
Sotiriou made no mistake, heading the ball past Lithuanian goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus.
Second Half: Lithuania Pushes for an Equalizer
Lithuania responded well to going behind and pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half.
They created several chances but could not find a way past the resolute Cypriot defense.
Cyprus held on to their slender lead to secure a valuable away win.
Post-Match Reaction
Lithuania coach Valdas Ivanauskas expressed disappointment with his team's performance.
"We did not play well today," Ivanauskas said. "Cyprus deserved to win. We need to improve our game in all areas."
Cyprus coach Nikos Kostenoglou was delighted with the result.
"I am very proud of my players," Kostenoglou said. "We played with great spirit and determination. This is a big win for us."
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