Baltic battlers prove their point

Lithuania have Scotland in their sights after reflecting on an impressive 1-1 UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying draw with world champions Italy in Naples.

'Tactics worked'
The Baltic nation took the lead in the Group B opener against the Azzurri before Filippo Inzaghi's equaliser. While Saturday's result was a surprise to neutrals, Lithuania coach Algimantas Liubinskas was quick to point out it was the least his team deserved for a polished display. "Our tactics worked," he said. "It was a great result to begin the campaign with, although I can't say I am totally happy. We showed about 70 per cent of our potential. At home against Scotland we will be aiming to win."

Team effort
Key to their ambitions on Wednesday night will be Tomas Danilevicius, a fitting goalscorer at the weekend as he plays his club football for AS Livorno Calcio in Serie A. Yet the 28-year-old Danilevicius, who hit 17 goals in 38 league games on loan at US Avellino last season, was keen to deflect praise elsewhere. "The team played brilliantly," he said. "We changed tempo when needed and altered the direction of our attacks.

Scotland test
"It is possible the Italians underestimated us but we have promised our fans that we will worry even the greatest opponents." If Scotland lack the stature of Italy or fellow group heavyweights France, Danilevicius and company will be aware that they kicked off their campaign with a 6-0 home victory against the Faroe Islands.