Latvia’s national futsal team saw their European Championship debut come to an end on Wednesday evening, despite taking an early lead against Croatia. Edgars Tarakanovs’ opening goal gave Latvia hope, but Croatia eventually turned the match around, handing the hosts a defeat that left Latvia third in the group and outside the quarter-final places. Speaking to Baltic Football News after the match, one of Latvia’s key players, Miks Babris, admitted that the disappointment was significant, as progressing from the group had been the team’s primary objective – but added that the tournament proved they belong at this level.
“There is definitely a feeling of bitterness after the game,” Babris said. “Our main goal – both the realistic one and the dream goal – was to get out of the group. Regardless of rankings or how strong the opponents were, that was what we came here to achieve. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to fulfil that goal at this championship.”
Reflecting on the first half, Babris explained that Latvia were largely prepared for Croatia’s approach, but struggled physically against their opponents. It also showed up in the total shot count with Croatia leading 26 to 3 in the first half.
“We had a good idea of how they were going to play. Physically, we were at a clear disadvantage. Germans [Matjušenko] and Andrejs [Baklanovs] tried to battle with their pivot players, but height and mass make a big difference. If we pressed higher, we would have left even more space for their big players. We simply lacked centimetres and weight – we were smaller and physically weaker.”
Babris added that Latvia had specifically prepared for Croatia’s style in the days leading up to the match, but execution proved difficult.
“We focused on this type of game in the last two days. Against previous opponents, the physical gap wasn’t as big, and we could play more of a physical game ourselves. Croatia pushed us out of positions and didn’t really allow us to change the rhythm. Subconsciously, the 1-0 lead may have caused us to drop a bit deeper.”
Discussing Croatia’s third goal, Babris took responsibility for the moment that took a big hit in Latvia’s hopes.
“At 1-2, we needed to take more risks. I tried to intercept the ball, but it didn’t work, and my opponent got through and scored. It was my mistake. It’s something I’ll definitely replay in my head.”
Despite the disappointment, Babris believes the tournament provided valuable perspective on Latvia’s current level.
“Right now, emotionally, it feels different. But in a few days, we’ll appreciate the opportunity we had. We understand where our level is, and understood that we belong here. There are positives to take. World Cup qualification starts in two months, and we have big goals there as well. There’s a lot of work to do and many mistakes to fix, but with this young team – now with some experience – everything is possible.”
The tournament also had a personal significance for Babris, as Latvia’s matches were co-commentated on national television by his brother Matīss Babris, a former member of the Latvian national futsal team. While Miks was making his debut on the biggest stage of European futsal, Matīss was experiencing his first tournament as a television commentator.
“Of course I listened,” Miks said. “I was pleasantly surprised by how well he did. He supported the main commentator a lot, especially with tactical insight and futsal-specific details. We spoke after matches and before games, exchanged information. For both of us, it was a completely new experience.”
