Finland in fine voice despite loss to Lithuania
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
A passionate support in the stands provided the perfect soundtrack to a match-up between Lithuania and Finland on Day 4 of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
Finland’s women's team were on hand to make their voices heard in a game which saw Lithuania run out 11-1 winners thanks to some sterling attacking play and finishing.
Lithuania took almost from the whistle via a quick break, before a Lithuania player stung the palms of the Finland goalkeeper from distance.
A nutmeg through the goalkeeper’s legs from a shot at the edge of the area saw Lithuania go two goals ahead, before the third came via a right-footed strike past the goalkeeper.
A solid tackle led to a low finish into the corner for Lithuania’s fourth goal of the game, before Finland burst into life after they fashioned a half-chance from some good interlinking play.
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
Finland’s goalkeeper won the adulation of the crowd with two fantastic saves, the first from close range and the second, a diving save from a long-distance howitzer.
A finish from a quick corner then saw Lithuania go 5-0 up, before a sixth goal came via a sweet strike moments later. As halftime approached, the Lithuania goalkeeper prevented Finland from getting off the mark via the penalty spot with a strong save low to his left.
The second half saw Finland come into the game more, forcing the Lithuania goalkeeper to make a great save with his legs to deny a goal, before Lithuania broke up the park to slot home their seventh of the match.
Two further great moments of attacking play saw Lithuania stretch their lead to 9-0.
Despite the scoreline, Finland, buoyed by the support in the stands, continued in their search to get on the scoresheet.
A Finland chance ended with a shot blazed over the bar, before some great passing play saw a Finland player find the space to slot home past the Lithuania goalkeeper and send the support into raptures.
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
With a minute or so left, a left-foot shot from distance saw Lithuania take a 10-1 lead, before they made it 11-1 with seconds to go from the penalty spot.
Speaking after the match, Lithuania captain Saulius Cepkauskas said: “The game wasn’t easy but we played our game I think. We played the way we can. The opponent was strong physically but we were quicker with the ball.
“The supporters were fantastic. It was a pleasure to play in front of them. They were clapping and screaming and supporting both teams. They provided extra energy for both players. We definitely enjoyed the game thanks to the supporters.
“It’s an honour to be part of this tournament and be a part of my team. I’m having a really good time here.”
Words: Craig Williams
Images: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez