First home game of the Optibet futbola Virslīga season, played in the football stadium of Vidzeme Olympic Centre, ended on a draw note (2:2) in the fight with BFC Daugavpils.
With the first few minutes of the game, it was clear that the guest team had chosen to play from the defense, thus giving the Valmiera team an initiative that led to a great struggle all game long.
The result of the game was revealed in the 30th minute, when Ibrahima Sow earned a penalty, which was carried out by the captain of the team and its most accomplished player, with three goals, Raimonds Krollis — 1:0. The lead for Tamaz Pertia’s team didn’t last too long — two minutes later, after a rude defensive error, Andrei Kalinin’s footballers get one goal back — Edgars Ivanovs scored — 1:1.
At the second half-time, Valmiera’s dominance in ball control increased even further and became particularly pressing. Several goal chances were created (Gueye, Jaunzems), unfortunately, after another failed performance in defense, Daugavpils striker Kaspars Kokins scored the second goal for his team — 1:2.
After this unexpected turn, Pertia strengthened the attack by releasing Eriks Punculs and Camilo Mena. When it seemed that defeat is obvious, an incredible rescue had happened, in the final second of the game, Sow, after the good cross from the corner by Luka Silagadze, scored with his head — 2:2, not the result we was looking for, but still better one point than none in the points table.
After this round, there is two weeks of rest in the championship, linked to the international games. In the third round of the tournament, in another home game on April 4, 17.00 we will host FK Ventspils.
