On 18 November, one of the matches of Euro 2024 in football took place. Latvia and Croatia met.
Euro-2024
Latvia - Croatia - 0:2 (0:2)
Goals: LMajer (7), Kramaric (16)
Warnings: K. Tobers (31), A. Saveljevs (65)
In a thrilling European Championship qualifying match at the Skonto Stadium, Latvia faced the formidable Croatia. The match showed brilliant skills and tense play, but in the end the Croatian team won with a score of 0:2. From the very beginning of the match, Croatia showed their skills in attack, putting powerful pressure on Latvia's defence. The score was not opened immediately: already in the 7th minute L. Majer opened the score with a shot into the near corner, giving Croatia the first advantage. After conceding a goal, the Latvian team tried to regroup, but it was not easy to break through the solid Croatian defence. Croatia continued to possess the ball and increased their advantage in the 16th minute. A. Kramaric demonstrated his scoring ability by scoring the second goal of the match, leaving Latvia in the mountains. As the first half progressed, tension was building, which led to a yellow card for Latvian player K. Tobers in the 31st minute. This caution did not prevent the physical intensity of the game, with both teams fighting for control of the match. In the second half Croatia made a tactical substitution in the 61st minute, replacing L. Ivanushek with M. Pasalic. This substitution gave a new impetus to the Croatian attack, forcing Latvia's defence to be on high alert.
Latvia, on the other hand, struggled to create opportunities and in the 65th minute received another yellow card for a warning by A. Saveljevs. In the 80th minute Croatia made another substitution, replacing A. Kramaric with M. Pasalic. The Croatian team, confidently leading by two goals, kept their composure until the end of the match. However, Latvia continued to fight and in the 83rd minute introduced R. Uldrikis instead of R. Kromarić. Uldrikis instead of R. Krollis. In the 86th minute, when the game was entering its final minutes, Croatia made another substitution - the legendary L. Modric came on instead of M. Baturina, thus demonstrating the depth of his talent. Latvia, having decided to pursue a consolation goal, made two quick substitutions in the 89th minute: E. Daskevics replaced D. Zelenkovs and A. Jaunzems replaced R. Jurkovskis. After the final whistle the scoreboard remained unchanged, Croatia won 0:2. Both teams demonstrated skill and determination throughout the match, but Croatia's clinical finish proved decisive. Latvia fought valiantly and will learn important lessons from this encounter. The European Championship qualifying match between Latvia and Croatia demonstrated the high level of football talent of both teams. Of course, the fans are looking forward to future matches in this prestigious tournament.
In the next round, the following matches await the opponents: Croatia vs Armenia.
| Latvia national team | Croatian national team | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Kicks to the goal | 5 |
| 1 | Kicks | 12 |
| 0 | Blocked shots | 1 |
| 0 | Penalty kicks | 7 |
| 1 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 5 |
| 10 | Offences | 8 |
| 3 | Corner | 1 |
| 2 | Offsides | 0 |
| 30% | Ball possession | 70% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 3 | Keeper saves | 0 |
| 303 | Total assists | 712 |
| 202 | Accurate assists | 614 |
| 67% | Accuracy of passes | 86% |