Valmiera FC opened up the second lap of Optibet Virsliga tournament with a convincing win over Riga FC – 3:0 the final score.
Straight from the get-go, Valmiera decided that it was their game to take as Emils Birka and Luka Silagadze connected near the penalty area – the latter passed the ball to Birka who then crossed it for team captain Raimonds Krollis who assured that the ball would go into the net to give an early lead in just second minute of the game.
Next up Daniels Balodis – first Daisuke Jokota crossed the ball into the penalty area from a free-kick which led to a perfect head motion by the Latvian defender in order to make it 2:0 just eleven minutes into the first half – doubled down and safe to move ahead.
Teams carried on to battle for the ball with Riga FC having some certain flashes but it would never work for them as the dangerous opportunities belonged to the home team. Birka’s cross had worked once so he tried it again onto the head of Balodis who this time couldn’t beat opposing goalkeeper – Roberts Ozols.
The third and final goal of the game came after Djibril Gueye robbed the opposing player to begin the attack, the ball ended up on the right side of the pitch – a perfect location for Alvis Jaunzems to send the ball to Krollis who made no mistake to put the leg enough on the ball so that the goalkeeper would concede for the third time.
The second half was much tougher and harder to play for Valmiera players as visitors came out strong trying to take matters into their own hands. Rihards Matrevics finally had to get involved in some serious action making a few key saves. It’s notable that besides one close-range chance Riga couldn’t do much offensively in situations where corner kicks weren’t involved.
Our next game will be played on Thursday (05.05) when at the LNK Sports Park we will be meeting against tournament underdogs – FK Spartaks team. Kick-off is set for 18:00.
