This week sees the start of another UEFA Nations League campaign and Thursday evening features this upcoming clash in League D Group 1 between Latvia and Andorra at Daugavas Stadionā in what could be a close battle.
Latvia started their World cup campaign in triumphant fashion as they recorded a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Gibraltar in the opening game of their group campaign.
💦⚽ pic.twitter.com/KYKlhQyujn— Futbola federācija (@kajbumba) May 30, 2022
💦⚽ pic.twitter.com/KYKlhQyujn
But they were unable to match that great start in subsequent matches.
A 7-1 thrashing to Germany was swiftly followed by defeats against Estonia, Norway, Netherlands and Turkey, in what was a strong group.
And although they recorded the ‘double’ over Gibraltar in the final game of the group stage, again winning 3-1, it was too little too late for Latvia.
However, Latvia are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions, picking up draws with Norway and Kuwait along with victories collected against Gibraltar and Azerbaijan.
So the hosts will be confident about their chances on Friday.
Andorra head into this Nations League opener looking to pick up a third win on the trot following recent wins against St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada respectively, although both of these victories were in international friendlies.
Andorra managed to claim just two wins during their World Cup qualifying campaign which were achieved in home and away wins against hapless San Marino, winning 2-0 and 3-0 respectively but otherwise it was business as usual for minnows Andorra.
Eight defeats were handed out to Andorra by England, Hungary, Poland and Albania.
And it was no surprise that they finished second from bottom above the pointless basement dwellers, San Marino, and a significant 11 points adrift of 4th placed Hungary.
Despite the two group wins though, Andorra have been extremely poor away from home as the visitors have registered just one win from their last 17 outings on the road in all competitions.
But their last two visits to Latvia have both ended up in 0-0 stalemates, which gives the visitors hope of perhaps nicking a point here this Friday.
Indeed, three out of the last four meetings between Latvia and Andorra have ended in stalemates so this upcoming clash on Friday evening may well end up all square as well.