Patijčuks ahead of Cyprus match: Latvia ready to play possession football again

Latvia national football team midfielder Igors Patijčuks, who made his first start for the senior squad in Friday's match against Montenegro, has expressed confidence ahead of Saturday's game against Cyprus. The 23-year-old FK Liepāja player said the team held a light recovery session with some jogging and ball work after a long flight, but stressed that this would not be used as an excuse in the upcoming match.

Good mood after the Montenegro game

Patijčuks noted that the team is satisfied with its performance against Montenegro and is approaching the Cyprus match with positive energy, hoping to repeat a similarly aggressive style of play. He pointed out that Latvia's squad is comfortable playing possession football, as shown in the previous match, and that this needs to be demonstrated again.

Fatigue and motivation seen as deciding factors

The midfielder emphasized that both teams are currently tired, since the upcoming match will be the final game of this training camp for both sides. Because of this, energy on the pitch will play a key role, and according to Patijčuks, whichever team wants the win more will ultimately secure it.

Standings context

This will be Latvia's fourth match in eleven days. The two teams' first meeting during this camp, played a week ago at Skonto Stadium, ended in a goalless 0:0 draw. After three rounds, Latvia sits last in the group with one point, while Cyprus holds second place with four points. The match will be broadcast live on LTV7.