A debut goal from Lewis Koumas saved Wales’ U21s, as they defeated Lithuania 2-1 at Rodney Parade.
Having gone behind against the run of play, Rubin Colwill levelled straight away for Wales. While they weren’t at their creative best, they pushed for a winner, and they found it through the Liverpool debutant, who conjured up a magical finish.
The result moves Wales back to the top of the group, but they could be overtaken by Denmark by the end of this current international break.
Cymru dominated the opening ten minutes and looked lively. Rubin Colwill in particular looked hungry and tried to drive the team forward.
However, against the run of play, Lithuania took the lead. Swansea City’s Evan Watts, who was making his U21 debut in goal, passed straight out to Motiejus Burba, who lashed home from inside the box. Rodney Parade stunned.
Their lead would only last four minutes as Wales hit back. Tom Davies’ smart ball through found Colwill, who drove into the box and fired into the near corner.
After the early excitement, the rest of the half lulled. Chances were non-existent and Wales couldn’t get going. The likes of Luke Harris and Pat Jones were struggling to make an impact on the game.
Zac Ashworth had the only notable effort in the first half with an ambitious strike from distance which was comfortably saved by Julius Virvilas. Level at the break, and a lot of work to do in the second period.
As the heavens opened up at the start of the second half, so did Wales’ style of play.
There was now an impetus on Matty Jones’ side to go and take the game to Lithuania, and they did that by pressing high up the pitch. But still, they couldn’t create anything clear cut on goal. Jones’ erratic volley, which was always rising, the closest Wales got in the opening quarter.
But the longer the game went on, and the longer Wales couldn’t score, the more confident Lithuania became. Carrying a threat on the counter, they raced up the other end of the pitch, and their move ended with a Gustas Jarusevičius volley which Watts pushed away well.
That chance seemed to wake Wales up a little bit more, as they really tried to seize the initiative. Lewis Koumas was introduced for his U21 debut, and the side looked more attacking. Fin Stevens almost put the hosts ahead, but his volley was well saved by the keeper.
But it wouldn’t be long until the Liverpool starlet made his impact by putting Cymru ahead. Colwill burst down the middle with power and put Koumas through, and he hit a sumptuous first-time finish into the far corner. A goal befitting any player of any calibre.
The goal certainly calmed Wales down. While they again couldn’t create chances, there was a composure to them in possession, and it never felt nervy.
A professional way to end the game for Jones’ side, who move back to the top of the group.
Player of the Match: Rubin Colwill
Lewis Koumas will take all the headlines, but Colwill was head and shoulders above everyone else. He dictated the tempo, was fearless, and scored an important goal. His improvement over the last six months has been incredible.
Wales
Evan Watts, Fin Stevens ©, Matt Baker, Luca Hoole, Zac Ashworth, Tom Davies, Oli Hammond, Joel Cotterill (Lewis Koumas 66’), Luke Harris, Rubin Colwill (Oli Ewing 90’), Pat Jones (Chris Popov 75’)
Unused Subs: Ed Beach, Terence Miles, Jay Williams, Ben Lloyd, Alex Williams, Joel Colwill
Goals: Rubin Colwill (15’), Lewis Koumas (76’)
Yellows: Zac Ashworth (65’)
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