Skerla leaves it late for Lithuania

Andrius Skerla marked his 50th appearance for Lithuania with a first international goal as Algimantas Liubinskas's side left it late in their Group B encounter against the Faroe Islands at the Tórsvøllur stadium.

Last-minute header
The Faroese had conceded 12 goals in their opening two UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Georgia and Scotland, but they proved far more difficult to break down in Torshavn. The imposing figure of goalkeeper Jákup Mikkelsen was largely responsible for Lithuania's frustration, making a string of fine saves, and looked to have helped his team to a point before Skerla headed in Mindaugas Kalonas's last-minute corner.

Striking absences
The visitors, who held Italy in their Group B opener, went into the game without injured strikers Edgaras Jankauskas and Tomas Radzinevicius but began with attack clearly in mind. Saulius Mikoliunas headed over from close range early on, and Tomas Danilevicius clipped the outside of the post as Lithuania drove forward, but even when they did find the target, Mikkelsen provided an impenetrable wall in the home goal.

Counterattacking threat
Mikoliunas, Deividas Cesnauskis and substitute Kalonas were all denied by the keeper while at the other end, Žydrunas Karčemarskas had to be alert as the hosts threatened on the counterattack, Christian Jacobsen firing just wide just before the hour. But the respite was brief as Lithuania launched wave after wave of attacks yet when Mikkelsen frustrated Darius Miceika late on, it seemed the Faroes had secured the draw. Skerla had other ideas, however, swooping to convert a last-gasp winner. The Faroe Islands now have four days to pick themselves up before facing France, whom Lithuania also meet in their next Group B outing in March.