Bookmakers predicted victory for North Macedonia, but Lithuanian handball players had their own opinion on Sunday evening in Vilnius.
The Lithuanians, supported by a thousand noisy fans in the Twinsbet Arena, defeated the regular participant of the European Championships 29:27 (13:12) and at the same time strengthened their dream of the 2026 continental championship.
“Fantastic. The men gave their all. The victory was determined by their endless dedication and character, they left all their strength on the field. Tonight, it was character, not tactical or technical aspects, that determined the victory, said Gintaras Savukynas, coach of the Lithuanian national team. – There was a feeling that we can do more than we showed in the first qualifying match in Slovenia (26:35) and today we stepped forward with one thought – to win and maintain our chances in the fight for qualifying for the European Championship.”
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
During the history of the country’s handball, Lithuanian handball players who played in the European Championship twice (in 1998 and 2022) fought fiercely with rivals who participated in the last seven European championships in a row.
After a good start by the home team on Sunday and leading by three goals, the Macedonians were already one goal ahead at the beginning of the second half.
It took a lot of emotions, penalty minutes and a fierce fight for the Lithuanians to do a dance of joy in a circle in the middle of the field at the end.
“We started the game well, with aggressive defense, good attack. At the beginning of the second half we let them catch us, they played a little bit better, we couldn’t find a good solution. In the end it was a pure fight to the last drop of sweat, we fought for each other and we can bow our heads to each other because we did everything, we left ourselves on the field. This led to the victory in the last 15 minutes”, said Gerdas Babarskas, the rock of the Lithuanian national team’s defense.
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
Vilius Rašimas, the goalkeeper of the Lithuanian national team, who raised his hands up from the first blocked shot of the opponents and was bursting with emotions after successful jumps while absorbing the blows, was chosen as the best player of the match.
“I am very happy to return to this environment, I was happy for the opportunity. Anyway, I missed this feeling a lot, said the goalkeeper. – It’s nice that I managed to help the team and experience emotions that I had already forgotten with the national team. I won’t lie, sometimes it felt like a dream, because it was good to feel that atmosphere, the support, to play well, to withstand the blows, to be happy – a very big positive, I hope it’s a good boost before the next match.”
During his career in Poland, Germany, France, and in recent years in Iceland, the 35-year-old goalkeeper defended the goal of the national team again after a break. The coaches didn’t shoot, forcing V. Rasim into the goal.
“We believed, otherwise we wouldn’t have been invited,” said G. Savukynas about the goalkeeper. – Vilius changed the club, plays in the European Cup, has accumulated endless experience. The previous results were not satisfactory, so changes were needed, and one of them was to invite an experienced player.”
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
V. Rašimas saved even 16 shots out of 42, and when he learned this result, he smiled from ear to ear.
But more than anything, the long-bearded viking of the national team from the Icelandic club “Haukur” was pleased with the team’s result.
“The main thing is that we can play for Lithuania. It’s a very big honor and when we’re still doing well in the match, when we can show it, the emotions drive us forward. In a short time – a week – we were able to stick together as a team, – said V. Rašimas. – I know that everyone tried very hard, and our main strength is when we step on the field to leave everything there. I know that my teammate will stand up for me, I know that I will stand up for him. We all saw that in the match.”
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
Lithuanian handball players stood for each other, sharing their roles well and keeping their strength at a crucial time.
The all-time leading player of the Lithuanian national team, Aiden Malašinskas, started the match from the bench, initially coming only to realize the 7-meter penalties earned by Ben Petreikis.
In the end, the 38-year-old handball player from Romanian club Buzau was the top scorer of the match with 8 goals, including two crucial ones late in the match.
“Old wine only gets better with age,” said G. Savukynas about the 38-year-old veteran.
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
Another former member of the Lithuanian national team, G. Babarskas, mostly fought in defense, and after one episode he ended up on the floor, but he was happy because the opponent who pushed him and couldn’t control his emotions was removed for two minutes. Soon, the 30-year-old defender started a quick attack himself and scored an important goal.
“Game situations, and the match lasts 60 minutes, they are full of various details. This time, our goalkeeper pulled well, the defense stood firm, we scored goals when we needed them the most. No one judges personally, the most important thing is that we won”, noted G. Babarskas, who plays for the German club “Bergisher”.
G. Babarskas and Karolis Antanavičius had the most time to fight with the heavyweight striker of North Macedonia Žarko Peševski, who scored 5 goals.
“We know our opponents, we knew where we would risk, where we would stand together. We did what we agreed to do, and thanks to the goalkeeper, we stood up very firmly in defense against a strong team that plays in the highest level tournaments – the world and European championships,” noted G. Babarskas.
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
The victory against North Macedonia was perhaps the sweetest since the match won against Iceland in the spring of 2021 – by the way, with an identical result – 29:27, when the match was also held in Vilnius.
That victory opened the door for the Lithuanian national team to the European Championship, where our team will appear in Slovakia in 2022 after a 24-year break.
Now, even before the qualifying competition, the Lithuanians emphasized that they will probably need three victories on the way to the 2026 European Championship, which will be held in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
Therefore, the first victory allows you to dream, but stay with your feet on the ground.
“Yes, this victory is very important. During the recent selections, we failed not only to achieve results, but also to show the character that Lithuanian handball was famous for, which we historically excelled in, – said G. Savukynas, who himself played in the first Lithuanian European Championship in 1998. – But this victory is only one of the components during the selection stage.
A strong fight awaits, with the same Estonians, so all things will be needed no less – character, tactical decisions, support of the spectators.”
After two rounds, her favorite Slovenia is leading in Group 1. The Slovenians, who took the fourth place in this year’s Olympic Games, started the selection with victories over Lithuania and Estonia, which they only defeated by one goal (29:28) away from home on Sunday.
Lithuania and North Macedonia, having won 37:33 at home in the first match, share the 2nd and 3rd places.
The two best teams from each group and the four third-placed teams will enter the European Championship.
“It’s too early to talk,” G. Babarskas cautiously assessed the situation in the table. – Only two games out of six. Today we will relax, and in the next round we will focus on the Estonians.”
The Estonians, who have not played in the World and European championships until now, lost their first two matches this week after dramatic battles, and it is Estonia that the Lithuanians will play at home and away during the next round of qualifying competitions, which will take place in March next year. The last two matches against Slovenia at home and North Macedonia away will take place in May.
“We have one idea – we want to return to the European Championship,” said G. Savukynas. – Tonight’s victory is the first step towards that. We achieved the result, but it will not be easier in the future.”
Wooden Spoon or Golden Cup? Handball Drama Unfolds as Lithuania Stuns North Macedonia!
Well, well, well, look who decided to flip the script! Bookmakers had a field day with their predictions pointing fingers at North Macedonia taking the gold, but bless the Lithuanians—they had other plans. In a shocking twist fit for a soap opera, the Lithuanian handball team rolled up their sleeves, put on their best game faces, and turned up in Vilnius with the kind of passion that would make even a sports-loving pigeon shed a tear!
Brimming with enthusiasm and supported by a rowdy crowd, Lithuania claimed a gripping 29:27 victory, sealing their dreams of the 2026 European Championship in style! You could practically hear the victory cheer echoing down the streets of Vilnius!
“Fantastic. The men gave their all. The victory was determined by their endless dedication and character,” stated Gintaras Savukynas, the Lithuanian head coach.
Coach Savukynas, a man who knows a thing or two about handball, emphasized that grit trumped technicality this time around. So, if you think calculus helps you in handball, reconsider! Characters on the pitch, folks, not just characters in the locker room.
A Game of Emotions and Drama
After kick-starting the match with a solid lead, things got a bit hot in the kitchen when North Macedonia pulled ahead at the start of the second half. But fear not! The Lithuanians, fueled by the resolve of a thousand fans and perhaps a very, very good coffee, fought tooth and nail to dance in a joyous circle by the end!
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
“In the end, it was a pure fight to the last drop of sweat,” reflected Gerdas Babarskas, the rock of Lithuania’s defense.
Absolutely riveting stuff! But don’t be fooled; fights aren’t just about muscles but also matchless passion. Gerdas Babarskas, who sounds like he came straight out of a Viking saga, emphasized a fighter’s spirit. Talk about leaving it all on the field—he practically pulled a Samson on the court!
Excellence Between the Posts
And speaking of heroic acts, let’s pivot to Vilius Rašimas, the Latvian goalkeeper who was busy blocking shots as if they were pesky flies at a summer BBQ! He dazzled fans by saving 16 shots and was crowned Man of the Match. Who needs a superhero when you’ve got goalkeepers like these?
“I won’t lie, sometimes it felt like a dream,” Vilius gushed about the electric atmosphere. A goalkeeper who plays with emotions rather than just his hands? It’s like combo pizza with extra toppings—just the right mix!
Skirmantas Lisauskas/BNS photo/Moment of the match
Old Wine, New Bottles
In glorious news for the aging dynamos out there, Aiden Malašinskas, the 38-year-old legend, emerged as the top scorer with 8 goals! “Old wine only gets better with age,” Savukynas mused, and honestly, are we talking about handball players or fine reds here? I’ll take a glass of both!
“The main thing is that we can play for Lithuania. It’s a very big honor,” said Rašimas, summing up the pride in the air.
In this dramatic clash, every player knew their role and it paid off! Babarskas was tough on defense, the team supported each other, and they proved that whatever pub trivia might say, handball is not just a game—it’s a community.
A Sweet Taste of Victory!
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, this victory comes on the heels of their past triumph over Iceland—a repeat of history, if you will. Who doesn’t love a classic underdog story?
Now, it’s not time to pop the champagne just yet. Lithuania is hungry for more and they’ll need to channel that fire against the tough Estonians next. With the group being this competitive, the dream for the 2026 European Championship is still a mountain to climb!
“Yes, this victory is very important. But this victory is only one of the components during the selection stage,” warned Savukynas.
Ah, wise words indeed! For now, Lithuania is walking a fine line between jubilation and meticulous planning. They need a solid strategy and support from their fans—consider this a rallying call! Time to get that home crowd fired up!
In Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the Lithuanian team gears up for the next round, dreaming of glory—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good comeback story? Hold on tight, folks, because the journey to the European Championship is only getting started, and it promises to be a wild ride!
This victory is a beautiful piece of the puzzle, but remember, it’s just the beginning. So, grab your popcorn and stay tuned! The Lithuanian handball dream is alive—and trust me, it might just be the spicy twist your sports life has been craving!
He aftermath of this sensational match, the atmosphere in Lithuania is electric, with fans celebrating as if a national holiday has dawned. This victory is more than just a game; it’s a statement that Lithuanian handball is back on the map, ready to reclaim its spot among the elite teams in Europe.
### Next Steps for Lithuania
As the road to the 2026 European Championship continues, the Lithuanian squad is undoubtedly riding high, but they also know that there’s much work ahead. They’ll need to stay focused in their upcoming matches against Estonia, who will be hungry for redemption after losing their first two qualifiers. Coach Savukynas and his team have a clear goal ahead: to secure a top spot in Group 1, which would solidify their chances for the championship.
### Challenges and Opportunities
The team’s recent victory has ignited hope, but the challenges remain fierce. With Slovenia leading the group and North Macedonia looking to regroup, every game is a potential turning point. The players understand that while they can bask in the glory of their triumph, it’s critical to keep their standards high and maintain their momentum.
### Fan Support and Unity
One of the highlights of the game was the unmatched support from Lithuanian fans, a factor that has often been cited as a considerable advantage. This unity among supporters fuels the players’ desire to perform at their best. It’s not merely about the physical aspect of the game; it’s also about the emotional connection they share with their fans—a synergy that turns the arena into a cauldron of excitement.
### A Bright Future
With star players like Vilius Rašimas shining bright between the posts, and seasoned veterans such as Aiden Malašinskas leading the charge, Lithuania’s future in handball looks promising. Their combination of youthful exuberance and experience could very well be the recipe for success in the turbulent waters of international competition.
As they look ahead toward their qualifying matches in March and their final games in May, the Lithuanian team has every reason to believe that this is just the beginning of something special. In the words of Coach Savukynas, “Tonight’s victory is the first step towards that,” and everyone in Lithuania is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their handball saga.
### Conclusion
Lithuania’s stunning triumph over North Macedonia has not only revitalized interest in the sport within the country but also echoed far beyond its borders. With aspirations set on the 2026 European Championship, the Lithuanians are ready to write their own story—a narrative filled with resilience, teamwork, and electric moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Only time will tell how far this momentum will carry them, but one thing is certain: the Lithuanian handball team is here to stay and ready to fight for glory!
