After their opening World Cup 2026 Qualifications win against Andorra, Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato and goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris commented on the match.
Latvian National Team started World Cup 2026 Qualifications with an expected, albeit not entirely convincing, 1-0 win against Andorra National Team. Despite being in control of the match and maintaining 64% possession in a game that was marred by a muddy pitch and multiple fouls, the red-and-whites only managed two shots on target, one of which was slotted into Andorran goal by Dario Šits following a corner in the 58th minute.
Speaking to the press after the win, Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato commented:
Tonight, I am most pleased for the players, our president and the fans who supported us as the game was far from easy. The pitch was in terrible condition and opponents defended en masse. That being said, we controlled the game well and, I think, we have where to grow from here in the future.
Another highlight of the match was the debut of 28 year old Riga FC goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris. Speaking about this special occasion, Zviedris thanked his parents for believing and trusting in him, and said that he was pleased to keep a clean sheet during his first game for the national team. “This is exactly how I envisioned it. […] The pitch was in terrible condition, which made it difficult for us to move the ball around. We just, basically, ended up fighting the entire game. […] During half-time, the coach told us to not be afraid to take more initiative, to fight and play more one-on-ones“.
Latvia’s next match in this international window will be against England at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London on Monday, 24th Match at 21:45 Riga time (19:45 London).
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18171/p-nikolato-varam-vel-progreset/