Latvia retain Baltic Cup

Estonia 0-0 Latvia
A goalless draw with host nation Estonia was enough to ensure Latvia retained the Baltic Cup on Saturday.

Eighth success
Latvia lifted the trophy for the eighth time in their history after the stalemate brought to a close the three-team round-robin competition, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Early favourites
Lithuania, whose youth side clinched the Under-21 version of the tournament played in tandem with the senior competition, had emerged as the favourites after defeating Estonia 5-1 in the opening game on Thursday. But when Latvia edged out Lithuania 2-1 on Friday, it was clear that a draw against the hosts would be enough to secure the trophy. 

Estonia strengthened
Estonia recalled Mart Poom, Urmas Rooba, Andrei Stepanov and Sergei Terehhov to their starting eleven and were visibly improved. Centre-half Marko Kristal, making his 131st appearance in an Estonia shirt, said: "We had the discipline back in the team and we occasionally produced quite good football. The only thing we missed was a goal."

Close calls
There were chances throughout what was an active first half, Andrejs Rubinš curling a left-footed free-kick narrowly over for Latvia and Vålerenga IF striker Kristen Viikmäe denied by Andrejs Piedels' stunning save at the other end.

Blanks record
The second half was a quieter affair, notable only for Poom's save from Viktors Dobrecovs and the substitute appearance of Kristaps Blanks, FC Skonto's 17-year-old talent who became the youngest player ever to represent Latvia, who did enough to lift the trophy.