International Matches - Under 19

Spain 0- Lithuania 0

Spain: Ribas; Sergio Ramos, Alexis, Amorebieta, Garrido; Markel, Valero; Willy (Juan Tomás 53'), Víctor, Silva; Soldado. 4-2-3-1.
Lithuania: Kilijonas; Mockus, Kijansakas, Vicius, Dobilas; Pilibaitis, Ramonas, Ivaskevicius, Grigaitis (Mockus 87'); Sirius (Marozas 46'), Rimavicius (Gaurilovas 81'). 4-4-2.

Goals: None.

Spain got off to a disappointing start in the first match of their European qualifying group, being held to a goal-less draw by little fancied Lithuania. Playing at home, and with a side built around the under 17 squad which finished runners up in the youth World Cup, Armando Ufarte's side were not expected to have too many problems against the East European team. But their physically bigger opponents held them off, and although Soldado and substitute Juan Tomás hit the woodwork either side of half time, the youngsters were unable to do more than share the points. Lithuania's keeper Kilijonas was named man of the match, and their manager said afterwards that he was delighted as his side were not used to playing in such heat (it was around 24ºC!). In the other group match Hungary beat Holland 1-0, and Spain really need to win their matches against both of them to reach July's finals, which are to be played in Switzerland.