Latvia battles to a draw with North Macedonia in Nations League clash

In a closely contested UEFA Nations League C match on Friday, Latvia’s women’s national team fought to a 1–1 draw against North Macedonia at LNK Sporta Parks in Riga, keeping their promotion hopes alive ahead of the group decider next week.

Despite enjoying territorial dominance and dictating the pace for much of the match, it was the visitors who struck first. In the 17th minute, North Macedonia capitalized on a swift counterattack, exploiting a defensive lapse to take an early lead. But the goal didn’t deter Latvia’s aggressive approach. Olga Ševcova quickly responded with a dangerous attempt, while Viktorija Zaičikova came close to equalizing midway through the first half. Sofia Gergeležiu also had two opportunities—one with a header and another from a corner—but couldn’t find the back of the net.

As halftime approached, the Macedonians cleverly slowed the game down, clinging to their narrow lead despite Latvia’s pressure.

The second half saw the return of Monika Estere Štube, who made her comeback to the national side for the first time since summer 2023, replacing Sandra Voitāne. Early on, North Macedonia nearly doubled their lead in a mirror image of their first-half goal, but Latvia’s defense held firm. Moments later, Katrīna Daņilova narrowly missed connecting on a dangerous ball in the box.

In the 61st minute, Latvia made a triple substitution that would prove crucial. Signija Šenberga, Anastasija Ročāne, and Anastasija Čemirtāne were introduced in place of Marina Teļukeviča, Daņilova, and Santa Sanija Vuškāne. The move paid off just minutes later when Šenberga delivered a pinpoint pass to Ševcova, who slotted home the equalizer to bring Latvia level.

The closing stages of the game were end-to-end, with both teams creating chances. Latvia’s goalkeeper Sofja Ņesterova was called into action, while up front, Karlīna Miksone and Ševcova continued to press for a winner. In the 80th minute, Ševcova and Gabriela Annija Andersone combined to force a save from the Macedonian goalkeeper. At the other end, North Macedonia missed a golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation.

In the final minutes, 18-year-old Alīna Ansone made her senior debut for Latvia, replacing Zaičikova.

Before kickoff, a special tribute was held for veteran defender and captain Anastasija Ročāne, who became the first player in Latvian women’s football history to reach 100 national team appearances—a milestone worthy of the spotlight.

In the reverse fixture in April, Latvia edged North Macedonia 2–1 on the road, with both goals scored by Miksone.

With this draw, Latvia now sits on seven points from three games, leading their group. Kosovo follows with six points from three matches, while North Macedonia finishes their campaign with just one point from four games.

Latvia now turns its attention to a decisive showdown on Tuesday, again at LNK Sporta Parks, where a win or draw against Kosovo could secure them the top spot in Group C and a ticket to League B. If they fall short, there’s still a chance to advance via a playoff in October—but first, all eyes are on Tuesday night.

Latvia vs North Macedonia – 1:1 (0:1)
Goals: Ševcova 65′ | Meijer 16′
LAT: Ņesterova, Mairna, Gergeležiu, Teļukeviča (Ročāne 61′), Andersone, Zaičikova (Ansone 84′), Ševcova, Voitāne (Štube 46′), Daņilova (Šenberga 61′), Vuškāne (Čermirtane 61′), Miksone