Latvia beach soccer team returns to European A Division under Brazilian coach

Latvia's beach soccer national team has achieved success at the tournament in Batumi, Georgia, where eight teams competed for promotion to the European A Division. Coached by Brazilian specialist Rafael Amorim Silva, the Latvian team won all three group stage matches: 6-3 against Slovakia, 6-2 against England, and 3-2 against Azerbaijan, finishing first in their group.

In the semifinals, Latvia faced hosts Georgia and, after building a three-goal lead, held on for a 5-4 victory. The final again pitted them against Azerbaijan, but this time they lost 0-4, securing second place overall.

Toms Kristians Grīslis was the tournament's top scorer with seven goals. The Latvian squad included: Artemijs Piļipčuks, Artis Daniševskis, Toms Kristians Grīslis, Elmārs Ģēģers, Emīls Sakne, Igors Labuts, Mārcis Puriņš, Matīss Spunde, Ņikita Šumins, Rihards Kuzņecovs, and Rinats Kočerigins.

This marks Latvia's fourth participation in Europe's premier beach soccer national team competition. Last year, the team debuted in the A Division but lost its place; now it has earned the right to return in 2027.