Serbia Edges Latvia 1-0 in World Cup Qualifier
Serbia's 1-0 win over Latvia keeps the pressure on England in Group K. Dusan Vlahovic's precise goal secures a crucial win for Serbia against Latvia. Read more about the match.
The win puts Serbia within touching distance of England in the group standings, trailing by just two points...
Serbia's Crucial Win Against Latvia
Serbia snapped an eight-game winless streak away from home with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Latvia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Despite Latvia's bright start, Serbia's relentless pressure paid off when Aleksandar Mitrović scored, settling the nerves and giving Serbia the lead.
Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Katai combined effectively on the edge of the box, executing a swift one-two that ended with the Juventus striker scoring a precise goal into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris with no chance. Serbia dominated the game and had a chance to double their lead when Luka Jovic hit a spectacular volley that hit the underside of the bar, but the offside flag was raised, keeping the score 1-0 at halftime.
Latvia's coach, Paolo Nicolato, made a triple substitution at halftime in an attempt to revitalize his team's performance. However, the changes didn't yield immediate results, as Serbia continued to pose a threat on the counter. Latvia's goalkeeper, Zviedris, made a crucial reflex save with his feet to deny Ivan Ilic, keeping the score at 1-0.
As the match entered its final 20 minutes, Latvia increased the pressure in search of an equalizer. Renārs Varslavāns had a notable opportunity, firing a powerful shot that nearly caught Serbia's goalkeeper, Petrovic, off guard at the near post. Despite their efforts, Latvia struggled to find the equalizing goal.
Despite Latvia's pressure, Serbia remained a threat on the counter, with Dusan Vlahovic having a prime opportunity to seal the win. After a neat touch and turn, Vlahovic's shot was unfortunately fired straight at Latvia's goalkeeper, Zviedris. Serbia's defense held strong, and they secured a crucial 1-0 victory.
The win puts Serbia within touching distance of England in the group standings, trailing by just two points. For Latvia, the loss severely jeopardizes their qualification hopes, leaving them three points behind Serbia after playing one more game.
Match Highlights
- Early Opportunity: Renārs Varslavāns broke free on the left for Latvia but his shot was too close to Serbia's goalkeeper, Dorde Petrovic.
- Serbia's Dominance: Mitrović's goal showcased Serbia's superior quality and individual brilliance, which consistently troubled the Latvian defense.
- Second-Half Drama: Latvia pushed hard for an equalizer but Serbia's defense held strong, showcasing their solidity and tactical flexibility.
World Cup Qualifying Implications
This win strengthens Serbia's position at the top of Group K, putting pressure on England to maintain their form. With England facing Andorra later today, Serbia's victory sets the stage for a thrilling encounter between the two teams on September 9.
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