Scoutmania

The battle of cities Mažeikiai and Kretinga, as FK Atmosfera met FK Minija in the 29. Round of Pirma Lyga (Lithuania, 2nd tier), back in season 2024. Two games before the end, Atmosfera was already in comfortable position as taking its place in mid-table; Minija from away side still had to collect more points, to avoid the worst scenario to finish as 14th placed in the competition.

FK Atmosfera, led by Marius Šluta, started to play in the formation of 3-5-2, which often was 3-4-1-2 in practice. The quick building up and team play mixed with outstanding individual performances secured the 2-1 win for the team. Until the last minutes of the first half, they let the opposing team FK Minija to play its game; but in the 39th minute, South Korean striker of the home team, Se-sim Oh, scored by a left-footed volley and took the lead for FK Atmosfera (as we can see by the image below). For the second part of the match, the team’s play was more fluid and despite of the guests came back and narrowed the difference to one goal (2-1), confidence was still on high level until the final whistle.

(Se-sim Oh, player number 19 in red, scoring the game’s first goal by a wonderful volley)

FK Minija, under the guidance of its young Brazilian coach Thiago Bomfim, decided to start the play in a 3-4-1-2 shape. It was typical for the entire match that the players showed likeable attitude and great spirit despite of they were in tougher situation. Positive waves were arriving from the bench as the team coach frequently gave instructions for the players and tried to encourage them to make pressure on the opponents and also to push them harder. Team captain Ernestas Mockus, as a ‘real’ leader, often took on the role to give main support in handling the pressure and the threats at the back (as we can see below).

Turning to the last 15-20 minutes of play, FK Minija went to a heavy pressing mode and took higher risks to equalize to score.

(Minija players making pressure – trying to gain possession and equalize the number of goals)

The score of the ‘best potential players’ game is the reverse of the result: 1-2!

Moses Salifu Bawa Zuure (FK Atmosfera), centre-back born in 2004.

Moses, Ghanaian player of the team, who gained experiences also from the Latvian highest tier (Virslīga) earlier, was the leader of the defense by his performance. He’s a tall one with athletic body type; can be described as ‘ball-playing CB’ in terms of his style of play. A strongly confident one, who took part in his aerial duels with high level of determination and attacked the balls in the air bravely; demonstrated a really effective defensive play. Made good tackles and ball interceptions in the midfield, while leaving his original position, and had some quite progressive passes, as being part of the fluid build-up play.

Deividas Pipiras (FK Minija), striker born in 2005.

Deividas, started the match in the striker position but was also visible as left winger (especially in the second half). Main taker of set pieces, he represented a threat for his opponents with his deliveries. Seemed motivated, demonstrated dynamism; also presented that he has quite special shooting abilities (technique and power), as hitting the crossbar in the 60th minute by a wonderful left-footed long shot. Technically a good one, brave enough to use both of his feet at (short) passes and distributions.

Adrijus Putvinas (FK Minija), left midfielder/left winger born in 2006.

The versatility of Adrijus was an important part of Minija’s tactics and play. From one side, his defensive support on the left flank was significant in keeping the opposing threats on low, while from the other side, was able to lead dynamic attacks immediately after receiving the ball or gaining the possession. Fairly initiative and confident player at the offense as well as during build-up play, also demonstrating tenacity and the ability to be solid at his defending duels/defensive duties. He can be highlighted as one of the most promising players from the guests side.

To FOLLOW also FK Atmosfera right centre-back Jurgis Jankauskas (2003, on loan from A Lyga club FC Džiugas Telšiai) and FK Minija Ukrainian goalkeeper Rostyslav Belov (2004).

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