Latvia defended their U-19 Baltic Cup title by defeating Estonia 2-0 in the decisive match played in Tartu on Tuesday, 10th June.
Both Latvian goals came from penalties. In the 34th minute, Markuss Spāde earned and confidently converted a penalty after being fouled by Estonia’s captain, Mait Vaino. Early in the second half, Nils Henrijs Veinbergs was fouled by Hubert Liiv in a goal-scoring situation and successfully scored the subsequent spot-kick. Although goalkeeper Jan Martti Vainula guessed the right way, Veinbergs’ strike nestled neatly into the bottom corner, sealing Latvia’s two-goal advantage needed to secure victory on goal difference.
Just minutes before Latvia’s second goal, Estonia missed a golden opportunity to equalize. Nikita Baljabkin dispossessed Latvian keeper Rodrigo Vitols under pressure, striking the post. Romet Nigula got to the rebound, but defender Gustavs Leitans made a crucial block.
Latvia’s coach Viktors Dobrecovs made seven changes to the starting lineup compared to their opening match, demonstrating depth across the squad, which featured players from ten local clubs as well as teams from Scotland, Italy, and Finland.
In earlier matches, Latvia had lost 1-2 to Lithuania, while Estonia defeated Lithuania 1-0, resulting in all three nations finishing on three points. However, Latvia’s superior goal difference granted them the title, with Lithuania finishing second and Estonia third.
Latvia has now won the Baltic Cup at the U-19 level ten times, claiming victory in five of the last six editions.
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18322/latvijas-u-19-izlase-nosarga-baltijas-kausa-cempionu-titulu/
