(Football news) Wales has been incredibly disappointing and has a mountain to climb if they are to get back into contention, while Latvia is currently without value in the group. With the exception of the 2010 World Cup qualifying, Latvia has consistently had difficulty ever since winning Euro 2004.

While placing fourth or fifth was routine, Latvia is now in serious risk of earning a reputation as one of the continent’s bad boys. Their recent troubles, which include nine losses from their last 11 home matches in Euro qualification, are evident, and after four games and zero points this season, they are already out of the running.

The lowest point of the season thus far, one that has been filled with late heartbreak, was a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Croatia on Friday night in Rijeka. In June’s international matches, Latvia suffered two heartbreaking defeats at the very last second: once in Armenia due to a late penalty, and once against Turkey, where they tied the score in the 94th minute but lost still.

After such a successful UEFA Nations League campaign, the Latvians had hoped for a more favourable qualifying section.

With four victories and a draw from their six group games, Latvia finished first and was promoted to League C. This followed a respectable 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in which they defeated Gibraltar at home and away and earned draws against both Norway and Montenegro.

But since then, both teams’ records have plummeted, including future opponents Wales. Wales is now really in risk of not competing in the Euros next summer despite having qualified for three of the past four major championships.

Wales’ only victory in 13 international contests was a victory in the rematch against Latvia on the first matchday. Rob Page’s team suffered a dreadful June, losing a lot of ground in Group D, primarily as a result of a shocking 4-2 home loss to Armenia and a defeat in Turkey.

Wales’ downward spiral began when they only earned one point from their six Nations League games last year, and it continued with their World Cup group-stage elimination.

Despite this, though, Friday’s draw between Turkey and Armenia was a stroke of luck, and they must now take advantage. Wales has one game remaining, still needs to play the Crescent Stars at home, and is now six points behind Turkey, the second-place favourite.

Latvia Euro Qualifiers Form

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Wales Euro Qualifiers Form

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Vladislavs Gutkovskis, one of Rakow Czestochowa’s key players from the previous season, will be a major loss for Latvia up front. In the Nations League and World Cup qualifications, the striker scored eight goals, but Roberts Uldrikis has struggled lately with just one goal in more than a year.

After a solid stint in Finland, Janis Ikaunieks is in good form with RFS. In 15 games this season in Latvia, he has contributed to 15 goals. Along with Raivis Jurkovskis being injured, colleagues Arturs Zjuzins and custodian Pavels Steinbors have left the team. Ikaunieks RFS is also without Raivis Jurkovskis.

Tom Lockyer, the captain of Luton Town, has been called up to the Wales team just in time for their trip to the Baltics. Manager Page has left out Daniel James, possibly to make room for Swansea City’s Liam Cullen to make his debut. Aaron Ramsey is one of the last surviving members of the Welsh team’s legendary old guard, and he ought to serve as captain in this match.

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