---
title: "Strazdiņa welcomes chance to test herself against France"
date: 2026-10-09T20:05:42Z
lang: en
author: "Ivo"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/strazdina-welcomes-chance-to-test-herself-against-france/
categories: ["Latvia", "Women's Football"]
---

# Strazdiņa welcomes chance to test herself against France
**Latvia goalkeeper Elza Renāte Strazdiņa says she is looking forward to facing France in Saturday’s friendly, having never played against an opponent of such high calibre. France are sixth in the world rankings, and Latvia have been preparing in Riga this week.**

“I expect it to be a very good match, and I know there will be a lot of spectators,” said the 19-year-old. “I hope we can show that we are able to compete against teams like this.” Latvia have analysed France’s defensive approach and considered how to respond to their pressing, she added.

Strazdiņa has won 11 caps but has not featured in recent Latvia matches, with the more experienced Sofja Ņesterova starting in goal. “Of course I want to play for the national team too, but it is the coach’s decision, and I respect it,” she said, adding that regular football at club level was important.

Since joining Swedish top-flight side Piteå last December, Strazdiņa has played 19 league games. The club are ninth among 14 teams after 21 matches, and she is the youngest goalkeeper in the division to have made that many appearances this season. She initially expected to be the second-choice goalkeeper, but earned the coaches’ trust after the pair shared playing time early in the campaign.

“The Swedish league is more physical, and players always fight for the ball,” she said. “Even if they know they won’t get it, they keep challenging. At first, it was difficult to get used to that on corners and crosses. As a goalkeeper, I have to be ready for anything.”

Strazdiņa previously played for Riga Women, who conceded only three goals in Latvia’s domestic league last season. She said the close competition between Swedish clubs had helped her develop, and cited Sweden and Malmö goalkeeper Zećira Mušović as one of her role models. She also wants to improve her saves against shots from distance and says she is still working on playing outside the penalty area, inspired by Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Strazdiņa’s contract with Piteå runs until the end of the 2028 season.

Source: [sportacentrs.com](https://sportacentrs.com/futbols/latvijas_izlase/09102026-strazdina_pirms_duela_pret_franciju_vel_n)