2024-05-13 00:18:04
The national team of Latvia has started this world championship by bringing many gray hairs to its fans. They first beat Poland 5-4 in extra time in their first top-flight game since 2002, before beating France 3-2 with the decisive goal a second before extra time.
“From the very first day, we had to jump into the championship for 100%, which maybe didn’t work out completely, but we are very happy for the team, its spirit, character and our solidarity – we all fought for everyone. Batnik (Oskar Batni – aut.) got an unfortunate rejection and despite that, we won. Great joy for the guys. Honorable, great joy,” said the assistant captain of the Latvian national team.
Latvia started the duel against France very convincingly and after ten minutes played, they were ahead with 5-0 in the ratio of shots, however, it was not converted into goals. “The first minutes were like a continuation of the previous game, we were still in good motion. The first two games we had an opponent of the same level – yes, the French have more technical and higher-class players, but in general the pattern offered by both teams was the same, they showed an aggressive game. Against it’s difficult to play against such opponents, it’s the same as the big teams feel in matches against Latvia – we try to win them over in every episode.”
In the middle of the third period, Roberts Bukarts also scored his first goal in this year’s world championship, leading the team 2:1 at that time, but failed to maintain the minimal advantage.
“I was dry for a while, but I like to score goals, I think, that’s why Haris (Harijs Vītoliņš – aut.) also selects me there so that I can score important goals, help the team, help the youth. I am very happy that I scored at such an important moment It’s a bit annoying that we don’t have the so-called killer instinct yet, because we give it back in two games. We have to work on it, I think, it’s all about the mentality are struggling at normal speed, it’s difficult to jump in. All due respect, they are doing what they can and with each game we will progress as a team,” believes the striker. “Now we need to rest properly. Hopefully, there were fewer mistakes today compared to yesterday, and we will be even better in the next game.”
On Monday, the Latvian national team will have a day off, while on Tuesday they will play against Kazakhstan, which defeated France 3:1 in their first match, but then lost to Slovakia 2:6.
2024-05-13 00:18:04