Latvia and Wales will face each other in Group D of Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday. Wales has been incredibly disappointing and has a mountain to climb if they are to get back into contention. Latvia is currently without value in the group
Preview (Latvia vs. Wales)
With the exception of 2010 World Cup qualifying, Latvia has consistently had difficulty ever since winning Euro 2004. Latvia is now in serious risk of earning a reputation as one of the continent’s whipping boys. They have struggled recently, as evidenced by their nine losses in their last 11 home matches for Euro qualifying. After four games and zero points this season, they are already out of the running. It was a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Croatia on Friday night in Rijeka.
In June’s international matches, Latvia suffered two heartbreaking losses at the very last second. Once in Armenia due to a last-second penalty, and once against Turkey, where they tied in the 94th minute but lost still. In particular, following such a successful UEFA Nations League campaign, it has not been the qualifying section the Latvians were looking for. After a respectable 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in which they defeated Gibraltar at home and away and earned draws at both Norway and Montenegro, Latvia finished first and was promoted to League C as a result. But since then, both teams’ records have plummeted, including future opponents Wales.
Wales is now really at risk of not competing in the Euros next summer despite having qualified for three of the past four major championships. Wales’ only victory in 13 international contests was a victory in the rematch against Latvia on the first matchday. Rob Page’s team suffered a dreadful June, losing a lot of ground in Group D. It was as a result of a shocking 4-2 home loss to Armenia and a defeat in Turkey. Nevertheless, they must take advantage of the fact that Turkey and Armenia’s Friday draw was a stroke of luck. Wales are six points behind Turkey, who are favorites to finish second. They still have a game in hand and still have to face the Crescent Stars at home.
Team News
Vladislav Gutkovskis, one of Rakow Czestochowa’s key players from the previous season, will be a major loss for Latvia up front. In the Nations League and World Cup qualifications, the striker scored eight goals, but Roberts Uldrikis has struggled lately with just one goal in more than a year. After a solid stint in Finland, Janis Ikaunieks is in good form with RFS. In 15 games this season in Latvia, he has contributed to 15 goals. Along with Raivis Jurkovskis being injured, colleagues Arturs Zjuzins and goalie Pavels Steinbors have left the team. Ikaunieks RFS is also without Raivis Jurkovskis. Tom Lockyer, the captain of Luton Town, is a last-minute withdrawal from the Wales team before their journey to the Baltics.
Manager Page has omitted Daniel James, with Swansea City’s Liam Cullen possibly set to make his debut. Aaron Ramsey should serve as captain of this team because he is one of the final survivors from the Wales old guard. Wales must seize the opportunity to put themselves back among the teams contending for the top two since Latvia already appear to be doomed in the section. In order to be in the running, they must win here after an almost two-year winless streak outside of Wales. However, despite recent performance, they could just have enough.
Latvia 0 – 1 Wales
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