Lithuania’s women’s U19 team came from behind to beat hosts Latvia 3-2 in their opening match of the Baltic Cup in Riga on Tuesday at the Skonto Hall.
Latvia made a fast start and went in front in the 2nd minute after Līva Šteinberga’s delivery into the box and Marija Klementjeva’s work in front of goal. Lithuania levelled in the 13th minute from the penalty spot: Latvia goalkeeper Aleksandra Torgošova saved the initial 11-metre kick, but Jotvilė Šapaitė converted the rebound to make it 1-1.
Latvia were forced into an early change when captain Alise Keita Baltrušaitė went off injured, and Lithuania moved ahead in the 29th minute when Austėja Pocevičiūtė finished following a cross, giving Lithuania a 2-1 lead at half-time. Early in the second half, Lithuania extended their advantage to 3-1 through Austėja Jokubaitytė, with the goal coming after a goalkeeping error.
Latvia pulled one back in the 58th minute when Šteinberga’s attempt took a favourable deflection on its way in, but the hosts’ comeback was checked in the 69th minute when Ance Meijere was sent off. Latvia pushed for an equaliser with 10 players but could not find a third goal, and Lithuania held on for the 3-2 win.
The Baltic Cup tournament in the Skonto Hall continues on Thursday, 5th of March (14:00), when Lithuania face the Faroe Islands, and concludes for Latvia on Saturday, 7th of March (14:00), also against the Faroe Islands.
Estonia are not participating in this year’s edition.
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Sources:
https://www.lff.lt/merginu-u19-rinktine-baltijos-taure-pradejo-nugaledama-latves/
https://lff.lv/zinas/18822/baltijas-kausa-pirmaja-spele-vadiba-netiek-nosargata/
