Tarakanovs show in the second half, Latvia starts the Euro with a win against Georgia

The Latvian national futsal team could not have asked for a better start to their first-ever UEFA Futsal EURO campaign, opening the tournament with an impressive 4-0 victory over Georgia in front of a jubilant home crowd at Arena Rīga.

Captain Germans Matjušenko etched his name into Latvian futsal history by scoring the nation’s first-ever goal at a European Championship, while Edgars Tarakanovs sealed the win with two second-half strikes.

Head coach Massimiliano Bellarte named a starting lineup, including all three Latvian futsal players currently competing abroad, alongside two representatives from domestic champions Riga Futsal Club – goalkeeper Rainers Mūrnieks and outfield player Andžejs Mickēvičs.

Backed by a vocal home crowd, Latvia started aggressively and looked confident from the opening whistle. Their early pressure was rewarded when Matjušenko broke the deadlock following a corner. After receiving a clever pass from Miks Babris, the captain unleashed a powerful shot that proved too strong for the Georgian goalkeeper, sending Arena Rīga into celebration.

Georgia responded with several threatening attacks of their own, but Mūrnieks stood firm. The Riga Futsal Club goalkeeper produced a series of crucial saves to protect Latvia’s narrow lead.

The tempo dipped later in the first half as the match became more fragmented, with frequent stoppages disrupting the rhythm. Clear-cut chances were rare, but just before the break Latvia were tested again when a careless foul conceded a direct free kick from close range. Once more, Mūrnieks rose to the occasion, making a brave save to ensure Latvia went into halftime leading 1-0.

Georgia came out with renewed energy after the interval, forcing Mūrnieks into further action and even striking the post during their best spell of the match. However, that momentum was quickly halted by Edgars Tarakanovs.

The reigning Latvian Futsal Player of the Year doubled the lead with a superbly executed free kick before producing a moment of individual brilliance. Beating his defender with quick footwork, Tarakanovs took a couple of composed touches before slotting the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Georgia pushed hard for a consolation goal, but Latvia defended with discipline and determination and put a cherry on top by scoring the fourth goal courtesy of Andrejs Baklanovs, seeing out a famous clean-sheet victory to open their EURO campaign in style.

Latvia’s attention now turns to their next Group A fixture, scheduled for Sunday, when they will face group favourites France. Earlier in the day, France were held to a 2-2 draw by Croatia, after surrendering a lead late in the match.

With confidence high and history already made, Latvia will head into their next challenge believing that their EURO dream has only just begun.

Latvia vs Georgia – 4:0 (1:0) 
Goals: Matjušenko 3’, Tarakanovs 25′ 27′, Baklanovs 60′

Latvia Starting lineup: Mūrnieks (G), Mickēvičs, Matjušenko (C), Babris, Tarakanovs
Bench: Labuts (G), Baklanovs, Kuļešovs, Jelagovs, Rimkus, Grīslis, Kuļepovs, Motiļs, Ūdris

Georgia Starting lineup: Bukia (G), Chimakadze, Ghatvadze, Kekelia, Todua (C)
Bench: Aslani (G), Gabrichidze, Giorgaia, Jvarashvili, Kvaratskhelia, Sebiskveradze, Tchumburidze, Tkeshelashvili, Tophuria