Armenia announced themselves on the big stage with a stirring 2-1 comeback against Ukraine, while co-hosts Lithuania were moments from glory before a gut-punch 3-3 draw with Czechia in Kaunas. It was a fierce, fast, and emotional start to UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 Group B on Thursday, with storylines made for a packed arena and a global audience.

Across the opening two matchdays, Group A also delivered narrative-shifting results: Latvia’s landmark 4-0 win over Georgia and a tense 2-2 between Croatia and France on Wednesday set the tone for a tournament keen on upsets and last-minute twists.

Armenia’s dream debut: Dermenjyan delivers in Kaunas

For Armenia, this was a night to remember at Žalgirio Arena. Their first-ever UEFA Futsal EURO finals match ended in a comeback win and echoed the spirit of a team that refused to be overawed. Ukraine struck first through Pervieiev at 25’20”, and for a spell it looked like the debutants might be nudged into a cautious shell.

Instead, Armenia fought back. Their first finals goal will be replayed for years: teenager Arsen Petrosov had the audacity to back-heel into Mihran Dermenjyan’s path around the half-hour mark, and Dermenjyan made the moment count at 29’46”. It was a goal equal parts craft and courage — the kind of play that shows a team belongs.

With the score at 1-1 and the clock running down, the decisive moment arrived at 38’04”. Mikael Gandilian drove a fierce ball across goal and Dermenjyan, alive to the angles, flicked it in. Armenia’s bench erupted. The 1,661 in attendance knew they had witnessed a debut that changed a nation’s futsal story in real time.

The immediate takeaway is simple: Armenia didn’t just hang on; they turned a tight match by producing quality in the biggest moments. Dermenjyan’s brace will steal the headlines, but the fingerprints of Petrosov and Gandilian are all over this result. It was a collective, fearless display.

“Armenia didn’t blink—they punched back and finished the job.”

Lithuania’s late heartbreak and a milestone point

Co-hosts Lithuania came within 35 seconds of a landmark victory in Group B. They had led Czechia in a breathless game, driven on by a vocal crowd of 5,198, and three different scorers: E. Baranauskas (12’46”), Raštutis (16’49”), and Derendiajev (18’30”). Czechia, however, forced the late equaliser to make it 3-3 near the end, and the roof that was about to lift instead fell to a hush.

Coach Dentinho struck the right tone afterward. “It’s painful because we had a chance to win. But my players should keep their heads up, because we earned our first-ever Futsal EURO point, which is important for us. We played with heart and the fans liked it.” That message matters. Lithuania claimed their first point in any UEFA final tournament after 12 straight losses in youth finals across the years. It is a foundation to build on, not a ceiling.

Goalkeeper Ernestas Macenis, named Player of the Match, underlined the hosts’ resilience. Even in the final seconds, Lithuania were throwing bodies at shots and chasing every ball. On another day, they walk away with all three points. On this day, they left with pride and a platform.

“That equaliser hurt, but Lithuania finally look like they belong.”

Group A context: Latvia make history; France and Croatia share points

Wednesday’s action in Group A carried newsworthy weight of its own. Latvia’s 4-0 win over Georgia wasn’t just comprehensive; it was historic. It marked Latvia’s first-ever win in the final stage of a UEFA tournament. Edgars Tarakanovs took home Man of the Match and symbolised a side that pressed high, stayed compact, and finished their chances.

The other fixture, a 2-2 draw between Croatia and France, suggested both sides are tuned in and hard to beat. For a tournament—and a sport—that thrives on quick swings and tight margins, those opening markers in Group A mirrored the drama seen in Group B a day later.

“Latvia’s clean sheet says belief is catching up with their talent.”

Why these results matter for Group B

Early points are priceless in a tight, four-team group stage. Armenia take an early lead at the top of Group B with three points, while Lithuania and Czechia share second with one apiece. Ukraine, despite an organised showing for much of the game, start from zero.

For Armenia, the path forward is clear: keep trusting the quick interplays that unlocked Ukraine. Dermenjyan’s movement and timing, Petrosov’s flair, and Gandilian’s direct threat gave them multiple ways to score. That variety is gold in tournament play, especially when games get cagey late.

For Lithuania, the lesson is bittersweet but useful: they can score in waves and swarm the court, but closing out the final minute is the next step. The good news? They earned belief. The fans felt it, the players felt it, and the Player of the Match award for Macenis validates the defensive platform underneath their attacking spark.

Czechia and Ukraine: response time

Czechia’s late strike will feel like a rescue act. It also means their wait for a Futsal EURO finals win—stretching back to 2010—goes on. Yet, rescuing a point at the horn often travels well into the next game. Momentum can be borrowed in tournaments, and Czechia did just enough to keep their campaign steady.

Ukraine can be frustrated. They had the lead and significant control before Armenia flipped the script. The margins were thin. If there’s a positive, it’s that they forced Armenia to produce top-quality plays to beat them. That’s a fixable scenario for a bounce-back: clean the details, protect the critical minutes, and take better care of the ball when the opponent is chasing.

Numbers that tell the story

• Armenia 2-1 Ukraine: Dermenjyan at 29’46” and 38’04”; Pervieiev for Ukraine at 25’20”.
• Attendance in Kaunas: 1,661 for Armenia vs Ukraine; 5,198 for Lithuania vs Czechia.
• Scoring spread for Lithuania: E. Baranauskas (12’46”), Raštutis (16’49”), Derendiajev (18’30”).

The early tone of Futsal EURO 2026

Two days in, the theme is clear: fine margins, dramatic finishes, and new stories breaking through old ceilings. Armenia’s debut win showed a team in full belief. Lithuania’s late concession stung but did not erase a landmark point. Latvia’s first UEFA finals win speaks to the wider shift happening across the sport—new entrants are not here to make up the numbers.

As the group stage tightens, expect more of the same: high energy, tactical puzzles, and late drama. It’s futsal at full volume in Kaunas, and Matchday 1 brought a soundtrack we’ll be humming for the rest of the tournament.