Latvia began their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-3 away defeat by Slovakia, despite an improved second-half display that brought them back into the contest.
The hosts took control early. Patrícia Hmírová opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finding the near corner after breaking beyond the Latvian back line. Slovakia doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Martina Šurnovská finished a swift counter-attack after getting in behind the defence.
Latvia changed personnel at half-time, with Uma Upīte replacing Diāna Suvitra, and responded with greater intent. Their pressure told in the 56th minute as Gabriela Annija Andersone’s pass released Santa Sanija Vuškāne, who drove the ball across goal for Anastasija Poļuhoviča to score.
Slovakia restored a two-goal cushion soon afterwards from a corner, converting in a crowded penalty area, but Latvia again replied. Poļuhoviča created the opening and Olga Ševcova finished clinically to make it 2-3, her 16th goal for the national team.
Latvia pushed for an equaliser, sending on Signija Šenberga and Anastasija Čemirtāne in the 76th minute, but Slovakia managed the closing stages and saw out the result.
Latvia’s next qualifier is away to Finland on 7 March.
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Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18824/debija-divi-varti-un-iedvesmojoss-otrais-puslaiks/
