U21 EURO 2025 Qualifier Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Latvia

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, Sep 09 2024




REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Jim Crawford’s Ireland Under-21 side welcome Latvia to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday evening in a crunch Euro 2025 qualifier (kick-off is at 5pm).

The young Boys in Green also come into the clash in fine fettle having won away to Turkey on Friday night, with Sam Curtis netting the only goal in a 1-0 triumph.

Crawford’s side can also go top of Group A with a win, having played a game less than leaders Italy. 

But that might only be temporary with the Italians facing Norway at 5.30pm in Stavanger.

“We’re looking forward to playing the game in Tallaght Stadium,” boss Crawford said. “It’s a top class pitch, which will serve well the group of players we have. 

“But for me, with the group of players we have, we could play Latvia anywhere in the country. 

“Hopefully we can get a good crowd there, and hopefully the crowd will be as excited as we are because we’ve got some really good players.”

Ireland have no injury issues to contend with and striker Sinclair Armstrong is hoping for Ireland to kick on against the Latvians after seeing off the Turks.

“There’s a good buzz in camp,” the Bristol City attacker said. “To think we won after the first half we had is something we’re pleased about. 

“The group are completely focused on the game.”

LATVIA 

Group A strugglers Latvia will be hoping they can claim a scalp against Ireland in Dublin 24 on Tuesday evening.

The Eastern Europeans have already defeated Turkey in qualifying and were only beaten 2-1 by Crawford’s side in the previous meeting between the two teams.

Latvia also won the Baltic Cup in June, seeing off Lithuania and Estonia on spot-kicks to win the competition.

Their squad is littered with a host of domestic based players.

But striker Dario Sits, 20, is a threat and he lines out in the Dutch second division with Helmond - on loan from Italians Parma.

Lukass Vapne, who scored against Ireland in the last meeting between the teams, has since been called up to his country’s senior side.

Latvia were also beaten by Norway 1-0 on Friday evening and are fourth in Group A on 7 points.

Referee:Stefan Ebner (Austria).

 

PREDICTION

Republic of Ireland 2-0 Latvia

 

Republic of Ireland 

Injured: None.

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended: None. 

 

Latvia

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None.

Waterford signal intent as Padraig Amond pens ‘multi-year’ deal at RSC https://t.co/gncdTqvWiapic.twitter.com/eUSxbSlcwh

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