Scoutmania

Estonia hosted Luxembourg in under-21 clash in Kadriorg Stadium (Tallinn, Estonia), in Matchday 4 of the UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifiers. As both teams found the back of the net once in each half, the final result became a 2-2 draw.

Estonia has collected one point in its previous three group stage clashes — they awarded a 1-1 draw against Iceland’s U21 national team back in September (at home ground); Luxembourg on the opposition side, played only one match in the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification so far, on which they suffered a defeat against Faroe Islands at home (0-1). Here and here you can find another articles from this qualification group.

Estonia, led by Finnish coach Jani Sarajärvi, started the match in 5-3-2 formation; 5-3-2 & 5-2-3 systems were set up, when they were out of possession. Of the three central midfielders, Stanislav Agaptšev was the one who frequently switched his roles between the Number 8 and Number 10. Strikers Kristjan Kriis (left side) and Tony Varjund (on the right) demonstrated great mobility, which meant to be useful also in the defensive activities. Kristofer Käit (centre-back) often made the distributions from the back-line by long-range passes. Jegor Žuravljov (central midfielder) by his superb stamina and high work rate, turned to be the engine of the midfield.

Estonia, off the ball; Stanislav Agaptšev (player number 7 in blue) looks for his position between the midfield and the offensive line

Luxembourg, under its coach Mario Mutsch, opted for a 4-2-3-1 reminiscent shape at the start, which often looked like 4-3-3. They started the game with a tricky move by the kick-off — the ball was sent for opposition throw, and thereby they could start the increased intensity pressing on the Estonian team immediately. Their very high level pressing play was typical through the entire match, often with a 4 or 5 man line. The team has demonstrated its special ability, to regain the possession with immediate effect (even on the opposing half). In terms of ball possession, Luxembourg was strongly convincing. Team captain Miguel Gonçalves (player for FC 08 Homburg in Germany) came up with his great leadership abilities.

An example for Luxembourg’s elevated and high intensity pressing play

Luxembourg took the lead in the 8th minute, by the goal of Fabio Lohei — right winger Diego Duarte made a wonderful assist by a left-footed cross, by kicking the ball with the outside of his foot (0-1). In the 31st minute, Estonia‘s Rommi Siht scored an equalizer, by the pass of Jegor Žuravljov (1-1). After the break, the advantage was with the Estonians: in the game’s 59th minute, left-back Sander Tovstik made a fantastic (left-footed) pass to Stanislav Agaptšev, who found the opposition net (2-1). Ten minutes later, by a penalty given for handball, Luxembourg has leveled the score — it was converted by Diego Duarte (2-2).

Luxembourg’s Fabio Lohei, with the leading goal (0-1)

---

Estonia will play against France on the 13th of October (in Stade des Alpes, Grenoble), while Luxembourg will travel to Iceland and play one day later, on the 14th of October (venue: Thróttarvöllur, Reykjavík).

---

You can buy the full report of this match (for 499 DKK) to find out about all the players who stood out. Or you can check our offers in this article and reach out to us via our ‘Contact us’ page for fixed or flexible packages.

If you like it please SUBSCRIBE to the blog and you will receive all future articles and news.