Latvia vs Wales Match Report

Latvia suffer another defeat in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, this time against Wales in a 2-0 loss at Skonto Stadions in Riga. Latvia have lost all five matches in the qualifiers as the manager Dainis Kazakevičs job is in jeopardy. Welsh manager Rob Page's job was also on the line as Wales had only won once in their previous 13 matches and had been underperforming. 

Image Source: Futbols Facebook Page

The visitors started out strong as in the 2nd minute, Brennan Johnson had a promising effort which went just over the bar. In the 27th minute, Wales were awarded a penalty after Kaspars Dubra pushed Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson. Aaron Ramsey took the penalty and shot the ball into the bottom left corner as Auda keeper Roberts Ozols jumped in the opposite direction. The hosts had a chance to tie the game just before half time as Jānis Ikaunieks crossed the ball into the box, however both forwards Roberts Uldriķis and Raimonds Krollis failed to reach the ball. It was a dominant display for the Dragons (Wales) as they had 11 goal attempts and 58% ball possession. 

Aaron Ramsey celebrates his 100th career goal after scoring against Latvia.
Image Source: Wales FA Facebook Page

The Dragons were pushing for a second goal as in the 53rd minute Johnson had a chance from close range, however Ozols make a brilliant save with his foot. 11 minutes later there was controversy as Ikaunieks made a reckless tackle on Jordan James. The referee looked at VAR and decided that it was only a yellow card which the Welsh players weren't happy about. Despite losing the match 1-0 and having a lack of shots on goal, Dainis Kazakevičs waited until the 85th minute to bring on substitutes which frustrated the home supporters. In the 86th minute Ikaunieks had a huge chance to tie the game as his shot went just wide of the post. Wales doubled the lead in the 95th minute to seal the win as Bournemouth winger David Brooks shoots the ball past Ozols.

Wales celebrate with their fans after Brooks equalised. 
Image Source: Wales FA Facebook Page

A disappointing match for the hosts as they have yet to get a point in the group and are in last place. A positive to take however is that Ozols had a whopping 7 saves which kept Latvia in the match. For Wales it was a massive win which keeps them in the race to qualify for Euro 2024 as they are only 3 points below top of the table Croatia. Latvia's next fixture is on October 12th against Armenia at home, while the Dragons face Croatia on October 15th.