LATVIA

Away 2023/24

Matchprepared Eduards Emsis 28.03.23 WAL 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 : LAT 🇱🇻 1-0

Manufacturer: Adidas

Source: Collector

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THE COUNTRY

Latvia's football form curve has shown a clear downward trend in recent years. After success in the early 2000s, the team slipped from a respectable 45th place in the FIFA rankings to 148th. This was compounded by a drop into the UEFA Nations League D, where they were among the three worst teams in Europe during their first year. At least this year's Nations League was a bit more successful for the Latvians: against “heavyweights” like Moldova, Andorra, and Liechtenstein, they were able to win in a largely commanding fashion and, tied on points with Moldova, qualified for promotion to Group C on the basis of a better goal difference.

THE SHIRT

The Latvian national team's unique selling point is certainly not in the footballing context. Rather, it is the colors of the jersey - maroon and white - which cannot be found in any other European team.

Traditionally, the national team's away jerseys are white, and the current models are no exception.

The random looking maroon stripes give the shirt a modern look, which is emphasized by the futuristic font for the name and number.

The shirt is from the EURO 2024 qualifier against Wales, which the Latvians narrowly lost. It was prepared for midfielder Eduards Emsis, who spent the match on the bench, however.

Latvia playing Wales in March 2023.