In a tightly contested UEFA Nations League clash between Lithuania and Cyprus, the match concluded with a narrow 1-0 victory in favor of Cyprus. The only goal of the match was scored in the first half at the 33:46 mark. This goal was a defining moment; it was the culmination of Cyprus’s early pressure and effective use of set-pieces, highlighting their clinical edge in the final third. The Lithuanian defense, despite being resilient, failed to handle this pivotal attacking thrust from the Cypriot side.

In terms of gameplay, Lithuania managed to secure four corner kicks compared to Cyprus’s two, indicating a proactive approach in creating set-piece opportunities. However, the disparity in shots on target and shots off target tilted marginally towards Cyprus, reflecting a more calculated and efficient offensive strategy. Cyprus’s three offsides reflect their tactic of playing a high line and looking to breach the Lithuanian defense, albeit at the cost of frequent offside interruptions.

The disciplinary record significantly impacted the flow of the match. Cyprus garnered five yellow cards, with three coming in a flurry in the second half (55:16, 68:24, and 70:26), showcasing a somewhat reckless approach that could have easily escalated to red cards under stricter officiating. Lithuania, while also engaging physically with 17 fouls, managed to maintain better discipline, earning only one yellow card. This disparity in caution levels indicates that Cyprus adopted a more aggressive stance, potentially disrupting Lithuania’s rhythm but also risking handicaps in player availability.

Failure to capitalize on their set-piece advantage and the execution in the final third were critical shortcomings for Lithuania. Cyprus’s high foul rate of 20 depicts a rougher style of play, which they managed without reducing their numbers on the pitch. Additionally, the tactical use of three substitutions allowed Cyprus to maintain energy levels and defensive structures, countering Lithuania's attempts to level the score.

Conclusively, the most significant factor impacting the match outcome was Cyprus's effective defensive discipline under pressure and their strategic setup in critical moments. Despite accruing more yellow cards and adopting a physically intensive approach, Cyprus executed their match plan with precision when it mattered most. Their solitary goal, attained through efficient play, underscored their slight tactical superiority in a match closely matched in several statistical aspects.

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