Latvian WNT start the new Nations League campaign with an upset win over Kosovo

On Tuesday, the Latvian national women’s team secured a hard-fought 1:0 victory over Kosovo in their opening match of the UEFA Nations League C tournament. This match marked a successful debut for head coach Liene Vāciete. The game winning goal was scored by Viktorija Zaičikova.

The starting lineup for Latvia featured 16-year-old Gabriela Annija Andersone making her debut, while 18-year-old Elza Renāte Strazdiņa took the position in goal, having previously coming on as a substitute in two national team matches. Coming into this game as underdogs, Latvia aimed to reverse a prior loss to Kosovo, who had defeated them 1:0 in a friendly match back in April 2023.

Kosovo’s standout player, 25-year-old forward Ereleta Memeti, was a significant threat, boasting 35 appearances and ten goals for her national team, alongside her club experience in the German Frauen-Bundesliga with Hoffenheim Frauen.

The match saw Kosovo applying early pressure, creating several dangerous chances. However, Latvia unexpectedly took the lead at the start of the second half. Latvian women’s footballer of the year, Karlīna Miksone, executed a brilliant solo run down the right flank. After her cross was cleared by a Kosovo defender, it fell to Viktorija Zaičikova, who scored with a first-time shot, putting Latvia ahead.

In the 81st minute, Kosovo intensified their efforts, with a dangerous shot from a tight angle that was saved by Strazdiņa. Moments later, a corner kick led to a Kosovo goal, but it was disallowed due to offside. Throughout the remaining minutes, Latvia’s defense remained resolute and composed, successfully protecting their lead and securing a valuable victory as they kick off their campaign under new management.

Kosovo had previously earned a position in League B in 2023 but was relegated after suffering six losses to Wales, Ukraine, and Croatia during the European Championship qualifiers.

Looking ahead, the Latvian national team will face North Macedonia in an away match scheduled for early April, followed by home matches against both North Macedonia and Kosovo slated for late May and early June.

The winners of the C League subgroups will earn promotion to League B, while the two best second-place teams will compete in playoff matches against the top two third-place teams from League B in October, providing an opportunity for advancement.

This season of the UEFA Nations League will play a crucial role in determining team divisions for the 2027 World Cup qualification cycle.