Qualification history
Lithuania have largely struggled in past FIFA World Cup™ qualifying. Though they narrowly missed out on a play-off berth en route to France 1998, their campaign for Korea/Japan four years later ended with disappointment as the team came bottom of their group with only two draws from eight matches.
In the preliminary competition ahead of Germany 2006, Lithuania conceded just nine goals, but they were unable to turn their solid defensive performances into victories and ultimately finished fifth in a six-team group.
There was a vast improvement in the qualifiers for South Africa 2010, during which the Lithuanians beat Romania, Austria and Serbia – all of whom have appeared at FIFA World Cups in the past. Unfortunately, their form tailed off towards the end of the campaign and the eastern Europeans finished fourth out of six in their section.
The current crop
Lithuania, formerly a part of the old Soviet Union, declared its independence in 1990 and has been competing internationally since 1992. They are yet to qualify for a major tournament.
Key players
Tomas Danilevicius (captain and record goalscorer) and Andrius Skerla (record caps holder) are the current star men of the senior national team.
Current coach: Csaba Laszlo
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Valdas Ivanauskas, Aurelijus Skarbalius, Edgaras Jankauskas
