Bandau įsivaizduoti grupę Nyderlandai, Belgija, Prancūzija, Italija.

Bet patirtis išbėgant prieš tokius oponentus, suvenyrai tikrai turėtų atpirkti visus rezultatus. Realiai nebent kažkiek pakovojamos būtų tiktai dvi grupės - Italų penkta ir Latvių septinta.

The small but visible successes can be seen in the talents that have made the leap abroad. Arnas Voitinovicius (Benfica Lisbon U19) and Ernestas Gudelevicius (AC Fiorentina U19), for example, are considered future international players, but Gvidas Gineitis (FC Turin) could also develop into a driving force.

“Through our international scouting we have found over 45 young players in Europe and the USA. These young talents come from the first generation to emigrate after independence. Our talents are not only under contract with AC Florence or Benfica Lisbon. Also, for example, at FC Turin, Vancouver Whitecaps, Sampdoria Genoa, AS Monaco, FC Valencia or at English clubs. These talents are doing us a lot of good and are bringing our national teams to a decent level. This makes us competitive.”

He also highlights Lukas Michelbrink from Hertha BSC's U19 team. “Lukas is a leading player and has played well in the last few games. He played a big part in us qualifying for the elite group. He is strong and very smart. A quick thinker and always willing to run for teammates when necessary.”

With a view to the elite round starting in a few weeks, through which the national teams can qualify for this year's U19 European Championship in Northern Ireland, Breu says: “Every game at the top level is important for our talents. Especially for the players who are still active in Lithuania, as the level here is unfortunately manageable. We are in a great group with the Netherlands, Belgium and France. We like to be blatant outsiders and want to hurt every opponent and demand everything. Only one team can qualify for the European Championships and normally our three opponents are candidates for the title. It's getting interesting."