The UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 brought an exciting encounter between the Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team at the iconic Stadionul Steaua in Bucharest. This League C, Group C2 fixture was a crucial match for both sides as they sought to make an impact on their group standings. Romania entered the match with high hopes under the experienced guidance of coach Mircea Lucescu, while Lithuania, led by Edgaras Jankauskas, aimed to pull off an upset in a challenging away fixture.
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Head to Head
Historically, Romania and Lithuania have faced off several times, with Romania holding the upper hand in previous encounters. Romania’s solid defense and creativity in attack have troubled Lithuania in the past, while Lithuania has often relied on quick counter-attacks and set-piece plays. This match promised to be another tactical battle, with both teams eager to prove their worth in the UEFA Nations League 2024-2025.
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Lineups
Here is the Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team lineups today (Sep 9, 2024).
Romania (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Ștefan Târnovanu
- Defenders: Rațiu, Drăgușin, Burcă, Bancu
- Midfielders: Marius Marin, Răzvan Marin, Stanciu (C)
- Forwards: Dennis Man, Denis Drăguş, Valentin Mihăilă
Substitutes:
- Niță (GK), Popescu (GK), Manea, Ghiţă, Alibec, Chipciu, Hagi, Coman, Artean, Olaru, Mitriță, Sorescu
Lithuania (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Džiugas Gertmonas
- Defenders: Tutyškinas, Girdvainis, Vorobjovas, Širvys
- Midfielders: Giedrius Matulevičius, Vykintas Slivka, Justas Lasickas (C), Dolžnikov, Lekiatas
- Forward: Armandas Kučys
Substitutes:
- Bertašius (GK), Mikelionis (GK), Milašius, Kažukolovas, Upstas, Paulauskas, Kalinauskas
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team First Half
The match kicked off with Romania exerting early pressure. In the 4th minute, the home side made a breakthrough with Valentin Mihăilă slotting in a goal after an assist from Stanciu, giving Romania a 1-0 lead. Lithuania struggled to find their rhythm initially, but as the half progressed, they began to mount attacks.
In the 34th minute, Lithuania found an equalizer through Armandas Kučys, who finished neatly following a cross from Justas Lasickas, leveling the score at 1-1. The first half concluded with both teams locked in a competitive battle.
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Second Half
The second half saw Romania dominate possession, but Lithuania defended resolutely. The match intensified, with both teams receiving multiple yellow cards. Romania’s persistence paid off in the 87th minute, when Răzvan Marin scored from the penalty spot after Ianis Hagi was fouled in the box, making it 2-1 for Romania.
Romania sealed the victory in injury time as substitute Ionuţ Mitriță netted a third goal in the 90+2 minute, assisted by Denis Alibec, making it 3-1. Lithuania attempted a late push but could not find another goal.
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Timeline
- 4’ – GOOAL! Valentin Mihăilă scores for Romania (Assist: Stanciu).
- 34’ – GOOAL! Armandas Kučys equalizes for Lithuania (Assist: Lasickas).
- 87’ – GOOAL! Răzvan Marin converts a penalty for Romania.
- 90+2’ – GOOAL! Ionuţ Mitriță scores Romania’s third goal (Assist: Alibec).
- 90+7’ – Girdvainis (Lithuania) misses the target.
- 90+8’ – Ianis Hagi (Romania) receives a yellow card.
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Stats
| Romania vs Lithuania Stats | Romania | Lithuania |
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 5 |
| Possession (%) | 65 | 35 |
| Fouls | 15 | 18 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Saves | 5 | 4 |
Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team Impact on the Points Table:
Romania’s impressive 3-1 victory over the Lithuania National Football Team in the UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 strengthens their position in League C, Group C2. With three crucial points, Romania moves closer to securing promotion to League B, while Lithuania remains at the bottom of the group, facing the risk of relegation.
Man of the Match:
The Man of the Match award goes to Răzvan Marin for his composed play in midfield and his decisive penalty goal that shifted the momentum in Romania’s favor. His vision and control throughout the game were pivotal to Romania’s victory.
The UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 clash between the Romania National Football Team and the Lithuania National Football Team was an entertaining and hard-fought contest. Romania’s superior quality in attack, combined with solid defensive work, saw them claim a 3-1 victory. Lithuania showed moments of promise but ultimately couldn’t match Romania’s relentless pace. Romania now looks forward to continuing their strong form, while Lithuania will need to regroup for their next challenge.
