Ireland v Lithuania - a comparison

<b>Report from Stephen Silke</b>

Tonight, St Patrick’s Athletic travel to Lithuania to take on VMFD Zalgiris in the Europa League first qualifying round on the 20th anniversary of the country’s first participation in Europe. In 1993 VMFD, playing under the banner of Zalgiris Vilnius, entered the Champions League and drew Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. However, it was a tough introduction for the Lithuanian side, as they were eliminated 8-0 on aggregate, going down 6-0 in Holland and losing 2-0 at home.

The first time an Irish side came across Lithuanian opposition in Europe was in 1996. Sligo Rovers played Kaunas in the Inter Toto Cup first round. The group consisted of five teams with The Bit O’Red also playing Heerenveen (Holland), Lillestrom (Norway) and Nantes (France). Sligo drew both home games, 0-0 against Heerenveen and 3-3 against Nantes, suffering a 4-0 defeat in Lillestrom in between. They finished bottom of the pool as a result of losing 1-0 to Kaunas, the Lithuanians finishing a point ahead in fourth spot.

Cork City became the first Irish team to win a European game in Lithuania, beating Ekranas 2-0 in the 2006 UEFA Cup first qualifying round, first leg, with Roy O’Donovan and George O’Callaghan scoring the goals for the Rebel Army. Despite losing 1-0 at Turner’s Cross, a 2-1 win on aggregate was enough to send City into the second qualifying round. They then went on to eliminate Swedish side Djurgardens before being knocked out by Czech Republic’s Slavia Prague in the first round proper.

The following season, the Republic of Ireland and Lithuania were reunited when Shelbourne and Vetra were paired in the Inter Toto Cup first round. Unlike 1996 the competition, this was played over two legged ties. A solitary Sean Dillon goal gave Shels a 1-0 win in Vilnius.

A week later came one of the most comprehensive victories by a League of Ireland side in Europe. Bobby Ryan, Glen Crowe and a brace from Jason Byrne gave Shels a 4-0 victory at Tolka Park to advance 5-0 on aggregate. Indiscipline caused Vetra quite a few problems on the night with three players being dismissed. Shels went on to face Danish side Odense in the next round, going out 3-1 on aggregate, a 3-0 defeat in Denmark preceding a 1-0 home win.

Last season saw Shamrock Rovers suffer disappointment at the hands of Ekranas in the Champions League. Rovers had reached the group stage of the 2012 Europa League but a 0-0 draw at Tallaght Stadium and a 2-1 defeat in Panevezys saw the Hoops crash out at the second qualifying round stage. Gary McCabe’s late penalty was not enough to deny Ekranas victory on the night.

Overall, Irish sides have played Lithuanian opposition on seven occasions, winning three, drawing one and losing three. Both sides currently lead their respective leagues. Let’s hope Liam Buckley and Pat’s can advance in Europe leaving VMFD Zalgiris to concentrate on the A Lyga.