The Baltic Cup for U19 national teams got underway on Thursday at Jānis Skredelis Stadium in Rīga, with Lithuania U19 defeating hosts Latvia U19 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
The two sides had last met in November 2025 during UEFA European Championship qualifying, when Latvia claimed a 2-1 victory in Raudondvaris. This time, however, Lithuania gained revenge thanks to a second-half winner.
The visitors were the more dangerous side throughout much of the first half, creating a number of promising chances and forcing Latvian goalkeeper Rendijs Mihelsons into several important saves. Lithuania’s best spell came midway through the opening period, when Dovydas Balsys, Klemensas Gustas, Rodion Piazenko, Jugas Turčinskas and Joris Petravičius all came close to breaking the deadlock.
Latvia struggled to create clear opportunities before the break as Lithuania controlled possession and dictated much of the tempo.
The home side’s first significant chance arrived shortly after halftime when substitute Deniss Nazarovs threatened the Lithuanian goal. However, Lithuania soon regained control and eventually found the breakthrough in the 59th minute. After good work from Petravičius, Žygimantas Jurevičius converted from close range to score what proved to be the only goal of the match.
Latvia pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the final half-hour, with Nazarovs again going closest for the hosts, but Lithuania defended their advantage comfortably and prevented the Latvian attack from creating many clear-cut opportunities.
The victory gives Lithuania an ideal start to the Baltic Cup campaign ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Estonia at the Daugavgrīvas Sports Complex, while the Viktors Dobrecovs managed side will look to bounce back in their second match of the tournament against Estonia on 8 June.
Latvia U-19 vs Lithuania U-19 – 0-1 (0:0)
Goal: Jurevičius 59′
