Frenks Orols after derby debut: "A tear of joy fell after the final whistle"
Goalkeeper Frenks Orols admitted he shed a tear after Riga's 2-1 derby win over RFS, finally getting the chance he was denied at RFS for three years.
In the second round of the Tonybet Virslīga, champions Riga defeated league leaders RFS 2-1, cutting the gap to one point. For 25-year-old goalkeeper Frenks Orols, it was his first Riga derby. Orols spent most of his career on loan, belonging to RFS for the last three years without getting an opportunity. He joined Riga this winter and became the starting goalkeeper a month ago.
After the match, Orols admitted that despite claiming indifference about opponents, emotions overwhelmed him. "Honestly, after the final whistle, a tear fell. Deep down, I really wanted to win today," he said. He stressed he holds no grudge against RFS and parted ways amicably, but Riga gave him the chance RFS did not.
Orols explained the team knew they had to reduce the points gap and were prepared intensely by the coach. He expected many crosses, anticipating threats from RFS wingers Savaļnieks and Zelenkovs. While the first 60 minutes had few crosses, the second half brought more danger. The biggest threat came from Mor Tall, who scored a spectacular long-range goal. Orols acknowledged he knew Tall is left-footed and often aims for the far corner, but the shot was perfect – into the top corner.
The goalkeeper noted that life changes quickly and he must not relax. After debuts for Riga's first team and the national team, he played both Baltic Cup matches and now the derby. He also commented on Riga's European draw: in the Champions League first round, they face Ararat-Armenia, with the winner taking on the stronger team from the Shamrock Rovers and Floriana pair. Orols believes the opponent is manageable and the goal is to reach the league phase.
Finally, Orols shared that he watches every World Cup match, focusing on goalkeepers, and noted his affinity for Thibaut Courtois due to similar height.
