Lithuania National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

#22 Šivickas · #4 Slendzoka · #18 Audinis · #13 Sapola · #2 Burdzilauskas · #14 Zevzikovas · #17 Andrejev · #8 Stankevičius · #19 Steponavičius · #16 Michelbrink · #20 Jansonas

Lithuania prioritizes a defensive block and rapid counter attacks using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before launching long balls to find a way forward. The team relies on staying compact to deny space between the lines and forces opponents to play around the perimeter rather than through the middle.

Šivickas stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit from the back. A back five provides heavy coverage with Slendzoka acting as the central anchor to intercept passes. Sapola and Audinis sit on either side to cover the channels and win aerial duels. Burdzilauskas and Zevzikovas act as wing backs who must track back to form a flat line of five when defending but push up to provide width when the team wins the ball.

The midfield operates in a flat bank of four to maintain horizontal compactness. Stankevičius and Michelbrink occupy the central spaces to mark opponents and break up play. They work to shield the defenders and win the ball back quickly. On the flanks, Andrejev and Steponavičius sit in the wide areas to track opposing full backs and help the wing backs. This midfield group connects the defensive line to the lone forward by recycling possession or playing direct passes.

Lithuania utilizes a lone striker in Jansonas to lead the line. He must hold up the ball and use his strength to bring others into the game. The attack is built through quick transitions where the wing backs or wide midfielders look to find him in space. Andrejev and Steponavičius can move forward to support the press or cross the ball from deep positions. The goal is to create chaos in the final third through rapid vertical runs.

This formation offers great strength in terms of numbers behind the ball. Lithuania can create a very difficult low block for opponents to break down. The presence of five defenders and four midfielders makes it hard for teams to find passing lanes through the center. They also use the width of Burdzilauskas and Zevzikovas to catch opponents out of position during quick transitions.

The 5-4-1 formation is a highly defensive setup designed for teams that want to frustrate stronger opponents. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to sit deep and play for a single goal on the break.