In a decisive UEFA Nations League C group showdown on Tuesday, Latvia’s national women’s team sealed their promotion to League B with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Kosovo at LNK Sporta Parks in Rīga.
Knowing a single point would be enough to clinch top spot in the group, Latvia delivered a composed performance under pressure—despite an early territorial advantage by the visitors. Manager Liene Vāciete made three changes to the starting XI following Friday’s 1–1 draw against North Macedonia, including Elza Renāte Strazdiņa in goal, Anastasija Ročāne taking the captain’s armband in defense, and Monika Estere Štube stepping into midfield.
Though Kosovo began brightly, Latvia struck first in the 17th minute. Santa Sanija Vuškāne’s dangerous cross deflected off a defender, sowing confusion between Kosovo’s goalkeeper and her backline. The ball found the net, giving the hosts an early lead.
However, Kosovo responded quickly. Strazdiņa was called into action minutes later to deny a close-range chance, but in the 23rd minute, she could do nothing as a low cross from the flank found a Kosovo attacker unmarked in the box. The equalizer was followed by a clinical finish into the near post just after the half-hour mark, putting Kosovo ahead 2–1.
Latvia, undeterred, pressed on and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time. Karlīna Miksone pounced on a goalkeeping error to win a penalty, which she confidently converted, leveling the match at 2–2 going into halftime.
The second half saw a gritty, physical battle unfold with few clear-cut chances. Latvia introduced Sandra Voitāne at the break, while Kosovo changed goalkeepers. Later substitutions included the experienced Anna Kristīne Gornela and newcomer Alīna Ansone, both helping Latvia maintain midfield stability.
Kosovo pushed late, but Strazdiņa made a crucial save after a long quiet spell, and defender Anna Hropataja was brought on to help see out the result. In the 83rd minute, Signija Šenberga joined the fray to help lock things down.
Despite the tense closing stages, Latvia defended resolutely to protect the draw—and with it, the top spot in Group C3.
The group campaign saw Latvia collect eight points from four games. With this result, Latvia not only tops the group but also books a ticket to the UEFA Nations League B tier—a major step forward for the developing national program.
Latvia vs Kosovo – 2:2 (2:2)
Goals: Misini 17′ (Own goal), Miksone 45+2′ (Penalty kick) | Smaili 20′, Memeti 31′
LAT: Strazdiņa, Gergeležiu, Ročāne, Mairna (Hropataja 78′), Andersone, Štube (Ansone 59′), Teļukeviča (Voitāne 46′), Zaičikova (Gornela 59′), Ševcova, Vuškāne (Šenberga 83′), Miksone
UEFA Nations League Women League C Group 6
| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | PTS |
| 1 | Latvia | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | Kosovo | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 3 | North Macedonia | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
