Dictionary

Lexical UnitsScenesConcept HierarchiesSound ExamplesParallel Texts

Jankauskas the key in Kaunas

Wednesday, 8 September 2004

By Kestutis Gimbutas at S. Darius & S. Girenas Sport Centre

[1] Lithuania recorded their first official victory in a year as they overpowered San Marino to make it four points from two games.

Jankauskas on form

[2] The Lithuanians had started their Group 7 campaign with an excellent 1-1 draw in Belgium on Saturday and they built on that with a disciplined display in Kaunas. It was the first time the home time had won since they beat the Faroe Islands 3-1 in September 2003. Edgaras Jankauskas did the damage, scoring twice before further strikes from Tomas Danilevicius and Andrius Gedgaudas wrapped up a comfortable night's work.

Determined start

[3] Lithuania showed their determination to pick up all three points from the outset but their early attacks lacked sharpness and flair. Still, Algimantas Liubinskas's men took the lead on 17 minutes, when Federico Gasperoni parried a Robertas Poškus header into the path of Jankauskas who tapped the ball in from close range.

Missed chance

[4] Jankauskas, who scored for the first time in seven years for the national team at the weekend, could have doubled Lithuania's advantage soon afterwards but wasted the opportunity. Poškus also had a couple of opportunities to score as did Nerijus Barasa, who missed a glorious chance on 32 minutes.

One-way traffic

[5] The second goal eventually came on 50 minutes when Jankauskas applied a confident finish to a pass from the tireless Barasa, who had worked his way into the box unhindered. It was only what the home side deserved, indeed it was not until the 57th minute that Lithuania goalkeeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas first touched the ball.

Home fans happy

[6] It was all Lithuania and they made it three in the 65th minute when Jankauskas set up Danilevicius, who got forward to score from central midfield. FBK Kaunas midfield player Gedgaudas then gave the home fans even more cause for celebration when he scored the fourth from close range in added time after coming on as a substitute.

Edgaras Jankauskas was on target twice