The players led by Gats Kalniņš experienced their first loss in the TonyBet Football Virsliga since the end of April, recognizing the superiority of FC RFS in LNK Sporta Parks with 4:1.
The first goal in this game was scored already in the second minute, when the ball sent by Jānis Ikaunieks was almost saved by Dāvis Ošs, knocking it off the goal line, however, the referees’ verdict, with the involvement of the VAR system, was unchanged – the ball had already crossed the line – 0:1.
After the shocking start, the continuation became even more worse – in the 22nd minute of the game, Niks Sliede, the defensive tower of Valmiera, left the pitch due to an injury, which caused the team to reorganize due to the lack of other central defenders, and instead of Niks, Andriy Korobenko came next to Maksim Tonishev, and subbed on Kristers Penkevics settled in the position of the supporting midfielder.
In the 37th minute of the game, with his second chance, Jason Bahamboula managed to beat the RFS goal and its keeper Pāvels Šteinbors, after he finished the elegant play between Renārs Varslavāns and Lūkass Vapne with an easy goal from the very front of the goal – 1:1.
It seemed that the first half would be over when, during the compensation, the main referee of the game Andris Treimanis in a controversial episode in the penalty area of Valmiera marked the game with his hand from Toņišev’s side – VAR did not change this decision. Even though Dāvis Ošs guessed Ikauniek’s shot from the penalty spot, but did not reach the ball to make a save – 1:2.
In the second half, manager Kalniņš’ players continued to play fast and attacking football, practicing high pressing. Unfortunately, great opportunities in the attack were wasted – in the 66th minute, Šteinbors took revenge in an one-on-one duel with Bahamboula, parrying the ball with his foot.
RFS, on the other hand, took their chances coolly at the end of the match – on both occasions, Cedric Kouadio demonstrated individual skills. The final result of the game was devastating – 1:4, even though the coaches of both teams admitted – 2:2 would be a more descriptive outcome of this game.
In the next round, Valmiera FC will also face a tough test, as Riga FC is traveling to Valmiera. The game on July 2 at the Jāņa Daliņa Stadium will start in six o’clock in the evening.
