The Latvian national team will start the last training camp of the year on Sunday, also playing the last two matches in the UEFA Nations League. On November 14, they will play away from North Macedonia, and on November 17 at the “Skonto” stadium in Riga – against Armenia.
It has already been reported that Krollis earned a red card in the first half of the Italian Serie C match for “Triestina” on Friday. When the Latvian came off the field, the coach of the Trieste team, Pep Clotets, caught him and shook him thoroughly, expressing his indignation at the punishment given to the footballer.
In Group C4 matches, the Latvian national team, making its debut in the C division of the UEFA Nations League, lost to Armenia 1:4 in Yerevan in September and defeated the Faroe Islands 1:0 at home. In October, Latvia lost 0:3 to North Macedonia at home, but played 1:1 with the Faroe Islands away.
North Macedonia has ten points in four games, Armenia and Latvia have four points each, and the Faroe Islands have won three points.
In the first three seasons of the UEFA Nations League, the Latvian national team competed in the D League, from which they managed to get out in 2022, when they were defeated in the group with Moldova, Andorra and Liechtenstein.
The winner of the group will enter the B league, but the owner of the last place will have to participate in the play-offs to keep the place in the C league.
Paolo Nicolato is assisted by coaches Massimo Paganins and Aleksandrs Cauņa, goalkeeping coach Andris Vanin, physical training coaches Vincenzo Pincolini and Māris Smirnovs, as well as video analysts Leonardo Carletti and Ilya Shčanitsins.
List of candidates for the Latvian national team:
goalkeepers – Rihards Matrevics (“Riga”), Frank Dāvids Orols (“Daugavpils”), Krišjānis Zviedris (“Auda”);
defenders – Kaspars Dubra (“Panevezys”, Lithuania), Roberts Savalnieks, Daniels Balodis (both – RFS), Andrejs Ciganiks (“Luzern”, Switzerland), Raivis Andris Jurkovskis, Antonijs Chernomordys (both – “Riga”), Alvis Jaunzems ( Melecs ”Stal”, Poland), Kristers Tobers (Zurich “Grasshopper”, Switzerland), Maksims Toniševs, Emils Birka (both – “Valmiera”), Vitalijs Jagodinskis (Phnom Penh “Visakha”, Cambodia), Oskars Vienties “Metta”;
midfielders – Aleksej Saveliev, Denis Melnik (both – “Auda”), Dmitry Zelenkov (RFS), Renars Varslavans, Lukas Vapne (both - “Valmiera”);
forwards – Raimonds Krollis (“Triestina”, Italy), Jānis Ikaunieks (RFS), Roberts Uldriķis (“Athens” Kallithea”, Greece), Vladislavs Gutkovskis (“Citizen”, South Korea), Eduards Daškėvičs (“Riga”), Dario Šit (“Helmond”, Netherlands).
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert, Dr. Anya Jurgens
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Jurgens! It’s great to have you here to discuss the current situation of the Latvian national football team as they prepare for their final training camp of the year and two crucial matches in the UEFA Nations League.
Dr. Anya Jurgens: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Latvian football, despite the challenges they’ve faced in this competition.
Editor: Absolutely. Latvia has experienced a mixed bag of results in the Nations League so far. They lost significant matches against Armenia and North Macedonia while managing a narrow win against the Faroe Islands. What do you think the national team needs to improve on going into these final matches?
Dr. Jurgens: The team certainly has room for improvement. Defensively, they need to tighten up—especially after conceding four goals to Armenia and three to North Macedonia. Communication on the field has been lacking, which can lead to these costly mistakes. Moreover, they have to capitalize on their chances; in tight matches, every goal counts.
Editor: Speaking of the Armenia game, it was a tough defeat. How do you think that loss will impact the team’s morale going into the match against North Macedonia?
Dr. Jurgens: Losses like that can have a dual effect. On one hand, it’s disheartening and can dampen spirits. However, it can also serve as a wake-up call. If the coaching staff and players can address the mistakes made in that match, it might motivate them to come back stronger against North Macedonia. The key is how they manage their mental resilience.
Editor: That certainly makes sense. It was also noted that Latvian player Krollis received a red card in his club match. Can you elaborate on how individual player discipline affects the national team, especially in critical matches?
Dr. Jurgens: Player discipline is crucial, especially in international fixtures where the stakes are high. A red card not only affects the player’s club performance, but it can also lead to suspensions for national fixtures, disrupting team chemistry. Krollis’ situation might force the coaching staff to rethink their lineup. The right balance of discipline and aggression must be struck, or the team could pay the price on the pitch.
Editor: Definitely a balancing act. Looking ahead, Latvia has to finish strong in their last matches against North Macedonia and Armenia. What do you think they need to focus on in training during this final camp?
Dr. Jurgens: I would emphasize a few key areas—defensive drills to enhance teamwork at the back, set-piece exercises for both defense and attack since those can be game-changers, and a focus on creating scoring opportunities. They also need to build a strong mental framework; the players must enter the matches with confidence and a clear game plan.
Editor: What does the table look like now, and what do these matches mean for Latvia’s future in the UEFA Nations League?
Dr. Jurgens: Currently, North Macedonia leads the group with ten points, while both Latvia and Armenia sit at four. These last matches are critical as the group winner moves up to League B and the bottom team faces potential relegation to play-offs to stay in League C. Latvia needs at least a draw against North Macedonia and a strong performance against Armenia to secure their place and aim for better competition in the future.
Editor: It’s going to be an exciting end to the Nations League for Latvia. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Dr. Jurgens. We’re looking forward to following the team’s journey in these last crucial matches.
Dr. Jurgens: My pleasure! Let’s keep cheering for Latvian football.