Stars come out for Latvian FA’s centenary

The star-spangled event at Skonto Stadium brought together European stars such as Portugal’s Luís Figo, France’s Florent Malouda and Germany’s Kevin Kurányi with Latvia’s own football greats.

The game between the World Legends team and Latvian Legends team is one of the highlights of the LFF’s 100th birthday, and the association was delighted and proud to be able to organise the occasion despite the difficult and unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

Football festival

LFF president Vadims Ļašenko’s energy was the driving force behind the game. "We really wanted to make a football festival for our fans," he told UEFA.com. “Great players such as Luís Figo, Nuno Gomes, Florent Malouda, Kevin Kurányi, Sergei Ignashevich, Levan Kobiashvili and many others were here in Riga - a great event!”

The World Legends teamNora Baibakova-Krevneva

“These are players that have won the Champions League and received major individual awards,” he added. “I'm so grateful to everyone who found an opportunity to visit us and give our supporters unforgettable emotions. I don’t think there could have been a better way to celebrate our federation’s centenary."

Football has been played in Latvia since the start of the 20th century, and the Latvian Football Union (Latvijas Futbola Savieniba – LFS) was set up in June 1921, with the federation joining FIFA in 1922. From 1940 to 1991, Latvia was part of the Soviet Union. Following independence in 1991, the Latvian Football Federation rejoined FIFA and became a member of UEFA the following year.

EURO heroes

Latvian fans relished the opportunity at the Game of Legends to renew acquaintance with players who created history by taking the national team to the UEFA EURO 2004 finals in Portugal.

The Latvian Legends teamNora Baibakova-Krevneva

Fond memories were rekindled as coach Aleksandrs Starkovs met up again with 2004 heroes including defenders Mihails Zemļinskis and Igors Stepanovs, midfielders Juris Laizāns and Andrejs Rubins and striker Māris Verpakovskis.

‘Fantastic event’

"It's a fantastic event for the whole of Latvian football," said Zemļinskis, who holds the Latvian record of 105 national team caps. "It was more than a game, it was a football celebration, with great emotions, memories and an opportunity to do something again that you devoted most of your life to. I must say that it was easier to hold Figo today than it was 20 years ago!"

"This kind of game is not only about the incredible atmosphere and fantastic show,” added Verpakovskis. “It is also important for young footballers. They are watching their idols showing great skills even now. They understand that football and dreams can take wings. My wish is that the youngsters who are the future stars of Latvian football play in their own Game of Legends one day."

The opportunity to watch the game’s stars in action provided vital motivation and encouragement as far as participation in the game in Latvia is concerned – and ideally complemented the LFF’s drive to increase nationwide participation by demonstrating the social and health benefits of playing football.

Figo – ‘Football unites’

LFF president Vadims Ļašenko with Estonia's Sergei Pareiko (left) and Lithuania's Tomas DanilevičiusNora Baibakova-Krevneva

Luís Figo, Ballon d’Or in 2000, enjoyed his stay in Latvia. "I'd like to thank the LFF and its president, Mr Ļašenko, for the invitation,” the Portuguese great said. "We were happy to bring this festival to the fans. I think everyone was really delighted, and this is the most important thing. Football unites, and I hope that Latvian football can move forward and achieve new successes."

The World Legends team showed some incredible attacking skills and won 6-1, before also emerging victorious 4-3 in a special penalty shootout. Figo found the net himself, but he had to cede the spotlight to his teammate on the night - Lithuania’s record national team scorer and current Lithuanian FA president Tomas Danilevičius - who bagged a hat-trick.

The scoreline was of no importance. Football was all that mattered as fans watched with admiration and excitement as great players helped Latvian football savour a memorable and historic moment.