This Sunday, Lithuania will face the Netherlands at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas during the second round of European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match is expected to showcase a significant difference in team strength.
Match Preview
Lithuania has been having a tough time in international matches, recently managing a draw with Malta only due to a 97th-minute penalty. They have not won in 12 matches and earned just two points from their first four qualification games. Gvidas Gineitis, a midfielder from Torino, stands out as the only player from a top European league.
With key player shortages and instability in the defence, Lithuania is vulnerable. The increased competition within their group means they are unlikely to secure a top-two finish. Their home record, consisting of two draws, may not endure against a strong Dutch team.
The Netherlands, coached by Ronald Koeman, let a win slip against Poland, despite dominating much of the game and creating several chances. Denzel Dumfries scored, but a late deflection prevented them from taking all three points. Still, they lead the group due to a goal difference of 11 goals over three matches.
The Dutch are still looking to find the right attacking setup. Memphis Depay remains their key player for goals and assists, though he might be replaced by Weghorst in the starting lineup. Defenders Van Dijk and Van de Ven form a strong partnership, while Gravenberch and Reijnders are solid in midfield. The Netherlands are expected to not only win but to control the game from start to finish.
Probable Lineups
- Lithuania: Gertmonas; Upsas, Girdvainis, Beneta, Tutyskinas; Vorobjovas, Sirgedas, Lasickas, Gineitis, Dolzhnikov; Paulauskas
- Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Reijnders, De Jong; Simons, Gakpo; Weghorst
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- This is the first official match between Lithuania and the Netherlands.
- Lithuania has not won an international match since November 2022.
- The Netherlands have not lost an away World Cup qualifier since 2016.
Prediction
The disparity in skill and recent performance makes an upset unlikely. Despite their previous draw against Poland, the Dutch remain the dominant team in the group. A comfortable away win is expected, with a prediction of “Total over 3.0” goals at odds of 1.67.
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