Latvia’s national futsal team opened a friendly tournament in Czechia on Wednesday with a 4–7 defeat to Kosovo.
Latvia took an early lead when Artjoms Troickis scored from a set-piece following a corner, but Kosovo responded strongly and went into the break with a 3–1 advantage. Early in the second half, Andžejs Mickēvičs reduced the deficit after successful high pressing near the goal, only for Kosovo to quickly restore their two-goal cushion. Edgar Tarakanovs found the net midway through the half after Kosovo’s fifth goal of the match.
In the closing stages, Latvia opted to replace the goalkeeper with an additional outfield player. The move produced mixed results, as Latvia conceded two more goals but also struck back through Andrejs Baklanovs.
Latvia will continue the tournament on Thursday against hosts Czechia, before facing Lithuania on Saturday.
In the FIFA futsal world rankings, Czechia sit 17th, Latvia are 52nd, Kosovo 65th and Lithuania 77th. Latvia and Lithuania will both host matches at the upcoming UEFA Futsal Euro finals, while Czechia will compete in the same group as Lithuania. Kosovo failed to qualify for the finals, finishing behind two of Latvia’s future group opponents, France and Georgia.
As part of their preparations for the 2026 European Championship, Latvia have played 12 matches this year, recording seven wins, one draw and four defeats. Head coach Massimiliano Bellarte has selected players from five domestic clubs, as well as teams based in Belgium, Poland, Italy and Portugal.
The 2026 UEFA Futsal European Championship finals will take place from 21 January to 7 February and, for the first time in history, will be hosted by three countries: Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia. Latvia will make their tournament debut with three home matches at Xiaomi Arena in Riga, facing Georgia on 21 January, France on 25 January and Croatia on 28 January.
Riga will also host three additional group-stage fixtures — Croatia vs France (21 January), Croatia vs Georgia (25 January) and Czechia vs Ukraine (28 January) — along with a quarter-final on 31 January between the winners of Latvia’s Group A and the runners-up from Lithuania’s Group B.
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18712/pedejais-parbauzu-posms-sacies-ar-zaudejumu/
