In the game in which the 2023 Latvian champion RFS and the Estonian champion team Tallinn “Flora” participated, RFS won with 3:0 (2:0).
RFS took the lead in the 16th minute. Dmitrijs Zelenkovs hit the goal from the left side of the penalty area, the ball did not fly to the goal, getting stuck in the player’s legs, but Jānis Ikaunieks was the first to get to it, sending the ball into the lower right corner of the goal from the left corner of the goalkeeper’s area – 1:0 in favor of the home team.
In the 24th minute, after a corner kick by Robert Savalnieks, from the left side of the goalkeeper’s area, Stefans Paničs headed the ball into the right corner of the goal – 2:0.
RFS made ten substitutions in the second half but held on to the lead. The goal was scored only in the 74th minute, when Valery Lizunov scored a goal from the line of the penalty area in the counterattack after a pass by Adam Markhiev – 3:0.
This season, RFS won the Latvian championship, triumphed in the Latvian Cup, and also reached the group stage of the UEFA European League. On the other hand, “Flora” finished the Estonian Championship in the fourth position, but did not pass the third round of UEFA Conference League qualification.
The Livonia Cup was previously played in 2003-2005, 2008, 2011, 2018 and 2023, when “Flora” won 2:0 over ”Valmiera” and won the trophy for the third time in a row.
The initiators of the Livonian Cup competition with the participation of the teams of the countries of the current territory of the historical Livonian Order were once representatives of the Estonian side. The Livonia Cup is a trophy of unknown origin obtained before the Second World War, which has been restored by goldsmith Jaaks Tammist. Last year, the Livonia Cup also got its own identity, created by artist Jānis Burmeisters.
This year, in January and February, the Livonian Winter League tournament was held for the first time, which served as a pre-season preparatory competition for the clubs of both countries.
What were the key factors that led to RFS’s victory over Tallinn ”Flora” in their recent match?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to our latest interview where we dive into the world of football. Today, we have an expert guest, Sports Analyst and Football Journalist, Andris Čaplins. Welcome, Andris!
Andris Čaplins (AC): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss the thrilling match between RFS and Tallinn “Flora.”
TNE: Let’s jump right in. RFS played a strong game against the Estonian champions, winning 3-0. What stood out to you the most in this match?
AC: What impressed me was RFS’s ability to maintain control throughout the game. From the very beginning, they asserted their dominance, leading to that crucial first goal. Jānis Ikaunieks’ instinct to capitalize on the loose ball was remarkable. It shows the importance of being alert in the penalty area.
TNE: Absolutely! That first goal in the 16th minute really set the tone for the match. Do you think the early goal influenced the dynamic of the game?
AC: Without a doubt. Scoring first often gives a team a psychological edge. It forced Tallinn to adopt a more aggressive approach, which played into RFS’s hands, allowing them to exploit gaps in the defense. After that opener, RFS built on their momentum, and the second goal by Stefans Paničs from the corner was a classic example of a well-executed set piece.
TNE: Speaking of set pieces, the delivery from Robert Savalnieks was on point. How crucial are set pieces in matches like these, especially in top-level competitions?
AC: Set pieces are often game-changers. They can break the deadlock when open play becomes congested. RFS’s preparation and execution were evident here. A well-timed corner kick, especially one taken from a quality player like Savalnieks, can be the difference between winning and losing.
TNE: Right! And it seems RFS didn’t just sit back after their lead. They made a significant number of substitutions in the second half but still maintained their clean sheet. What does that say about their squad depth?
AC: It speaks volumes about their squad depth and managerial strategy. Making ten substitutions can be a risk; however, it demonstrates confidence in their bench strength. Each player who came on understood their role and helped maintain the momentum rather than disrupt it. This strategy shows good squad cohesion and the ability to adapt during the match.
TNE: the third goal scored by Valery Lizunov towards the end was a beautiful counterattack. How essential is counterattacking football in today’s game?
AC: Counterattacking football is incredibly effective, particularly against teams that push forward. If executed well, it can lead to quick, decisive plays, as we saw with Lizunov’s goal. RFS showcased their agility in transition, which can devastate defenses that overcommit. It’s an art form in itself, and when combined with disciplined defending, you get performances like this.
TNE: Brilliant insights, Andris! RFS’s performance was certainly impressive, and it’s clear they have some exciting prospects ahead. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
AC: Thank you for having me! I look forward to the next matches and seeing how RFS progresses this season.