The Latvian U-21 team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Northern Ireland on Thursday in Belfast, in challenging conditions that made football particularly difficult on the waterlogged pitch.
Under the guidance of Jakub Dovalil, Latvia began their 2027 European Championship qualifying campaign with a home draw against Georgia, followed by losses away to Germany and at home to Greece. Today, they faced a Northern Ireland side that had earned four points from three qualifiers, their only defeat coming in a 1-2 loss to Germany at home.
The match got off to a slow start, with Latvian goalkeeper Nikita Parfjonovs making his first appearance in the sixth minute. Latvian forward Valerijs Lizunovs came closest in the 18th minute, but he was unable to convert a one-on-one chance against the Northern Ireland keeper. Northern Ireland had a few inaccurate attempts afterward, but Latvia threatened in the 32nd minute when Maksims Semeško headed a ball into the box from a long throw.
The second half saw a continued struggle under the heavy rain, with both teams battling for control. In the 58th minute, Gļebs Žaleiko’s shot from a good position was blocked, and just a few minutes later, Northern Ireland took the lead. Samuel Glenfield converted a free kick into the top corner, catching Parfjonovs by surprise and putting the home side ahead.
Latvia pushed forward, trying to carve out chances through the muddy conditions. In the 72nd minute, Ivan Patrikejevs almost had a clear shot after a breakaway, and in the 88th minute, Semeško sent a header over the bar following a corner. During stoppage time, substitute Kristiāns Mežsargs found himself with a promising opportunity after another set piece, but Northern Ireland managed to block the shot.
Latvia still have one qualifier left this year, when they travel to Malta next Tuesday – a team that has yet to score or earn a point in the campaign.
Northern Ireland U21 vs Latvia U21 – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Glenfield 62′
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18642/belfastas-dublos-visu-izskir-veiksmigs-soda-sitiens/
