English:
Latvia Stuns Albania in Riga with Narrow Victory
Riga witnessed an exciting World Cup qualifying match where Latvia secured a valuable victory against Albania. The match, played at Stadions Skonto, ended with a score that reflects the intensity and balance of the game.
Latvia, despite having only 34% ball possession, capitalized on their opportunities. J. Ikaunieks opened the scoring in the 21st minute, making up for a missed penalty earlier. Fortune smiled on Albania in the 29th minute with an own goal by A. Cernomordijs, leveling the score. However, Cernomordijs himself redeemed his mistake by scoring a goal for Latvia just before halftime, thanks to an assist from A. Ciganiks.
In the second half, the game remained contested, with both teams seeking control of the match. Latvia focused on defending their lead, which resulted in yellow cards for A. Ciganiks, R. Varslavans, and A. Cernomordijs.
Albania dominated ball possession with 66% and generated more shots, but failed to convert their chances. The match ended with a victory for Latvia, a result that gives a significant boost to their World Cup qualifying aspirations.
Substitutions albania: at minute 60 E. Muci came in and A. Hoxha went out., at minute 69 A. Bajrami came in and Q. Laci went out., at minute 82 M. Daku came in and R. Manaj went out., at minute 82 M. Uzuni came in and A. Broja went out.
Substitutions latvia: at minute 75 E. Daskevics came in and J. Ikaunieks went out., at minute 75 M. Regza came in and V. Gutkovskis went out., at minute 82 L. Vapne came in and A. Saveljevs went out., at minute 90 M. Tonisevs came in and R. Varslavans went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Latvia
Titulares:
Albania
Titulares:
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