Latvia face Andorra in the UEFA Nations League

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The Latvian side prepare to take on Andorra this Thursday on September 6th in Riga, for the UEFA Nations League (Euro 2020 Qualifiers). Latvian football has not been short of drama as they drew Faroe Islands 1-1, and became the second team to ever lose to Gibraltar in March. Latvia then hired the former Finnish national coach, Mixu Paatelainen who will try to help Latvia win some games.
Kaspars Dubra (left) and Roberts Savaļnieks (right) celebrate their first victory in 2018 in a Baltic Cup match vs Estonia
Image Source: Futbols Facebook page

In goal Latvian have FC Zurich keeper Andris Vaņins who is approaching retirement as he is 38 year old, but will want to end his career on a high. At the back is Vitalijs Maksimenko who has gotten his career back on track in Slovenia, having played three 90 minute Europa League Qualifiers for Olimpija Ljubljana. Maksimenko could be a key player for Latvia if he keeps preforming well for his club team.  Up front is Davis Ikaunieks who had a fantastic year in the Czech top division and scored 10 goals in 27 appearances. Ikaunieks was also awarded the best foreign player in the league last season. Another player to watch is Sion forward Roberts Uldriķis as he was the 2nd top scorer in the Virsliga before moving to the Swiss side with seven goals in ten appearances. As Uldriķis is only 20 years old, this Nations League is a huge opportunity for him to establish himself as the main striker for Latvia.

Roberts Uldriķis fights for the ball in a World Cup Qualifier match against Faroe Islands
Image Source: lff.lv

At the back, Andorra have captain Ildefons Lima who is the top scorer for Andorra of all time despite being a centre back, having scored 11 for his country. Marc Rebes is another key defender for Andorra as he scored against Hungary in the World Cup Qualifiers to give Andorra their 5th victory in their football history. Marc Vales is a key play for Andorra as he is a defensive midfielder who plays for Norwegian side Sandefjord. Vales is currently Andorra's only player that is playing club football outside Andorra and Spain.

The Andorran players celebrate after a shocking win over Hungary in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Image Source: 24.hu

Latvia and Andorra are in a group with Georgia and Kazakhstan, and the winner of the group advances to the final stage of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. This is a must win for both sides as on paper, Georgia and Kazakhstan are the favourites to win the group.
Sources:
  1. Flashscore
  2. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjStpytndWv/?taken-by=dafons9 - Davis Ikaunieks Instagram post
  3. www.synottipvirsliga.lv 
  4. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/166/Ildefons_Lima.html 

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