Scoutmania

U17 Riga Cup in Latvia, January of 2025; Skonto Hall was the venue of the Lithuanian encounter from Group B, as FK TransINVEST faced Vilnius Football Academy in an exciting and tough game, which ended with a narrow win for Vilnius FA (0-1).

FK TransINVEST in yellow and blue, Vilnius Football Academy in full black, were playing their last group match in the U17 Riga Cup 2025 winter edition. The tournament rules were the following: all games’ duration was 2×25 minutes, with 11-11 players on the pitch – who born after 2008.01.01.

FK TransINVEST, under coach Lech Pečuro, used various tactics and shapes in this game, like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. They tried to build up the team’s play by confident short passes, focusing rather on the accuracy instead of rapidity, so it was not rare moment when they was on to slow down the game a bit – waiting for the right opportunities. FK TransINVEST had to face difficult and serious physical challenges while they tried to reach the final third; despite of this, they had some dangerous goal scoring efforts.

(FK TransINVEST centre-back Simonas Gedminas, player number 5 in yellow, with a promising attempt performed after a great ‘solo’ run on the opposing team’s side)

Vilnius Football Academy, led by Robert Šuškevič, used 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 reminiscent shapes in this clash. The team’s aggressive, heavy pressing game often forced the opposing players to lose the balls or also to make other personal/technical mistakes, hand in hand with letting Vilnius FA to gain the possession in crucial areas of the opposition half. In the second half, during one goal lead and being in more comfortable position, Vilnius FA continued its play with the same determination and mentality, which kept the players’ motivation as well as making them ‘pressure free’.

(Vilnius FA attackers during the first half – seeking for opportunities to start making pressure on their opponents, with avoiding the unnecessary runs or to break the positions)

The game was narrow and sharp until the final whistle, despite the decisive goal came up in the 23rd minute, when Vilnius FA player Norbert Diugevič hit the opposing net by his wonderful right-footed strike (0-1).

(Norbert Diugevič of Vilnius Football Academy, with his game decisive shot)

The best potential players in my opinion:

Domantas Mackevičius (FK TransINVEST), left-back born 2008.

Domantas was playing as left-back – as inverted, because of his dominant foot is the right one. Has excellent technique on the ball; always tried to seek for opportunities, when he could showcase some spectacular skill moves on it. Was able to solve the loose aerial challenges by taking part in them bravely. He was very energetic on his side, not only in supporting the offense, but in defending too. Demonstrated high level of confidence; played with good ‘spirit’. Had some really useful (short) passes and a low cross in this game.

Emilis Liubinas (FK TransINVEST), right centre-back born 2008.

Emilis played as RCB, in addition to he was the team’s captain. He is a tall and physically good player who also can be described as a “ball-playing centre-back” – wasn’t afraid of moving forward with the ball or start to dribble with it. Confident defender with good character; demonstrated excellent vision at detecting his teammates who potentially could receive the long-range passes he made. Has great defensive mentality & defensive awareness; was able to solve his defensive duties even as last man, also confidently. A potential leader, was showcasing promising leadership by his presence.

Lukian Barhan (Vilnius Football Academy), right winger born 2008.

Lukian, player from Ukraine, was officially the game’s MVP. He’s fairly energetic, on the side of demonstrating good technique on the ball and effectiveness at dribbling. A versatile one: in addition to the attacks, he paid high level of attention to his defensive challenges; was able to be solid enough at the physical contacts plus aggressive and determined at pressing play, in terms of his attempts to gain the possession on the opposing half. Lukian’s play and decisions were full with awareness; showcased the signs of the creativity and great vision. In the 18th minute, performed a quite dangerous left-footed curved shot from distance.

To FOLLOW also FK TransINVEST left winger/left midfielder Titas Kareiva (2008), right winger/right midfielder Tomas Steponavičius (2007) and left centre-back Simonas Gedminas (2007); and Vilnius Football Academy right centre-back (and team captain) Erikas Kvedaravičius (2007), central midfielder Simas Grabauskas (2008) and left winger/striker Norbert Diugevič (2008).

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