Football in Latvia

Flag of Latvia

Association

Logo of the Latvian Football Association

The association was founded in 1921 and became a member of FIFA in 1922. The LFF became a member again in 1992 after the country regained its independence in 1991.

National team

history

Latvia took part in a major international tournament for the first time at the 2004 European Football Championship in Portugal . In the preliminary round they played against the Czech Republic (1: 2), Germany (0: 0) and the Netherlands (0: 3). With 1: 5 goals and a point the team different than the group last group D from.

The only goal to date in an international tournament was scored by Māris Verpakovskis in the first group game against the Czech Republic. The Latvians won the first and only point against Germany.

Club competitions

Latvian Championship

LMT Virslīga logo

Shortly after Latvia gained independence in 1922, the SV Kaiserwald Riga club became the first Latvian champion. During the Soviet occupation from 1944 onwards, Latvian masters were only determined on a regional level within the Soviet Union. After regaining independence in 1991, Skonto Riga won the title thirteen times in a row. Nine teams are currently playing for the championship. The second highest division is the 1st līga with twelve teams.

Latvian Cup competitions

Since 1937 the winner of the national cup competition Latvijas kauss has been played.

Women's soccer

The women's national team played their first game in 1993.