How Scotland have fared in Lithuania

LITHUANIA 0 SCOTLAND 0 European Championship qualifier, September 5, 1998

The first meeting between the sides in Vilnius almost two decades ago was a nondescript goalless affair. It was the first game for Craig Brown’s side after returning from the World Cup finals in France (few would have bet on that being their last major finals appearance for at least 20 years). The match had little in the way of goalmouth action but was notable for Barry Ferguson, St Johnstone coach Callum Davidson and Dundee manager Neil McCann making their respective international debuts as second-half substitutes.

LITHUANIA 1 SCOTLAND 0 European Championship qualifier, April 2, 2003

Scotland’s first and so far only defeat in Lithuania came courtesy of a soft second-half penalty, conceded by ex-Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara. Tomas Razanauskas’ 73rd-minute spot-kick meant the Baltic side joined Germany and Scotland on seven points in Group 5, with the Germans ahead of the Scots on goal difference. Lithuania were ranked 106th in the world at the time but they hit a purple patch. Razanauskas had scored in Germany in the previous game to snatch an unexpected 1-1 draw. Nevertheless, it was a chance blown by the visitors who were the superior side in a mostly dull match although afterwards Scotland boss Berti Vogts said: “Lithuania were very, very lucky.”

LITHUANIA 1 SCOTLAND 2 European Championship qualifier, September 6, 2006

Scotland stretched their unbeaten away run to seven games as former United man Christian Dailly and Kenny Miller scored second-half goals to continue their fine start to their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Walter Smith’s men had begun Group B with a 6-0 thumping of the Faroe Islands and they made it two wins out of two in Kaunas. Dailly headed in Gary Naysmith’s corner just after the interval and man-of-thematch Miller – then playing for Celtic – made it 2-0 with an emphatic strike before substitute Darius Miceika’s late consolation for Lithuania.

LITHUANIA 0 SCOTLAND 0 European Championship qualifier, September 3, 2010

Craig Levein’s first competitive match as Scotland manager ended in a disappointing goalless draw in Lithuania. The Scots looked mostly solid and comfortable in possession. However, they failed to find the breakthrough despite making some decent opportunities. Midfielder Barry Robson forced several saves from distance, striker Kenny Miller headed straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards, and Steven Naismith lacked conviction when presented with a shooting chance on the edge of the box as the Scots had to settle for a point.