Group 5: Tense times for Lithuania

Surprise lead
A 3-0 win against Iceland on Tuesday saw the Lithuanians take a surprise lead at the top of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying section, but with plenty of matches remaining before qualifying ends on 10 October, they are far from certain of a place in the play-offs for the finals.

Bad fortune
Goals from Edgaras Cesnauskis after 19 and 55 minutes put Lithuania firmly in the driving seat against Iceland, and his FK Ekranas team-mate Aurimas Kucys sealed the victory with the third after 77 minutes.

Losing streak
Without a point from their four qualifying games, and with just one goal to their credit, Iceland coach Olafur Thordarson admitted after the game that he had travelled to Lithuania hoping for a draw but had been surprised by the quality of their opponents.

Uncertain prospects
However, when Lithuania play their next and final qualifying game away against Scotland on 10 October, the qualification situation in Group 5 could have changed dramatically, and even a win may not be enough for them to hold on to top spot.

Games in hand
Certainly, last Friday's 2-2 draw between Scotland and Germany played into their hands, leaving the two group favourites level on seven points, two points behind Lithuania. However, Scotland have a game in hand on them, while Germany have two.

Key fixture
The Germans could be back on top of the group with a win in their next qualifying game in Iceland on 5 September, but perhaps the decisive game will come four days later when they face Scotland at home.

Possible scenario
Should Germany win both of those games, they would have a four-point lead at the top of the table going into the final game and would automatically reach the play-offs. The onus would then be on Scotland and Lithuania - opponents on the final day - to battle for second place.

Scottish advantage
Lithuania coach Virginijus Liubsys will be without Cesnauskis and Tomas Tamasauskas for that game with both having been suspended after receiving yellow cards in the game against Iceland. That, coupled with home advantage, could shift the odds in Scotland's favour.