Latvia’s national football team played to a 0–0 draw against Azerbaijan in an international friendly on Saturday evening at Skonto Stadium. While the scoreboard remained unchanged, the match featured several notable developments, particularly with the introduction of new talent.
22-year-old FS Jelgava midfielder Kristers Penkevics made his international debut, starting the match. Marko Regža and Maksims Toņiševs also appeared in the starting lineup for the first time in their national team careers. Compared to Latvia’s last match against England at Wembley, only Daniels Balodis, Alvis Jaunzems, and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs retained their places in the starting eleven.
The match began with both teams playing open, attacking football, each side creating opportunities to test the opposing goalkeeper. In the 17th minute, Jaunzems was fouled just outside the box, earning Latvia a free kick. Lūkass Vapne delivered a well-placed cross, and Regža connected with a header, but the Azerbaijani goalkeeper made a crucial save.
Azerbaijan gradually gained control of possession, but Latvia remained dangerous on the counterattack, exploiting errors in the visitors’ build-up play. In the 32nd minute, Azerbaijan threatened with a cross into Latvia’s penalty area, but goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics reacted decisively to clear the danger.
Toward the end of the first half, Latvia began to sit deeper, allowing Azerbaijan more time on the ball. In stoppage time, the visitors came close to scoring when Nariman Akhundzade received a low pass in a promising position, but his attempt was blocked by the Latvian defense.
In the second half, Bruno Melnis made his debut, replacing the injured Penkevics. Azerbaijan had the best chance of the game in the 73rd minute when Mahir Emreli found himself unmarked in front of goal, only to send his shot over the crossbar.
Seven minutes before full-time, Jānis Ikaunieks — recently returned from injury — and another debutant, Gļebs Žaleiko, entered the field. Despite their introduction, Latvia couldn’t find the decisive moment, and the match ended in a goalless stalemate.
Latvia will now shift their focus to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where every point will matter in their quest for a place on football’s biggest stage.
Latvia vs Azerbaijan – 0:0 (0:0)
LAT: Matrevics, Balodis, Meļņiks, Jagodinskis, Dašķevičs (Ikaunieks 84′), Zelenkovs (Cigaņiks 46′), Penkevics (Melnis 55′), Jaunzems (Saveļjevs 46′), Toņiševs, Regža (Varslavāns 62′), Vapne (Žaleiko 84′)
