Latvia does not “break” Switzerland’s goal and experiences another loss

Andris Džeriņš | Photo: LHF

The Latvian hockey team lost 0:4 in the second test match against Switzerland this evening in Klotene, experiencing the fourth failure in a row in the preparation cycle.

The goal of the Latvian national team was guarded today by Elvis Merzlikins, for whom this was the first game as part of the national team since the 2022 World Championship. Compared to yesterday’s game, Kristofers Bindulis didn’t go to the field because he was injured, and Jānis Jaks was not in the lineup again, so seven defenders took part in today’s game. Meanwhile, forwards Martins Laviņš and Félix Gavars replaced Oskars Batņa and Roberta Bukarts.

In the ninth minute of the game, Merzlikin was beaten by Romain Lefel. In the continuation of the match, the Latvians did not use three chances of the majority, but after the rejection of Markus Komulas, they scored a goal themselves, in the 14th minute of the second period, Dario Simion made it 2-0.

In the fifth minute of the third period, Fabris Herzogs strengthened the lead for the Swiss national team, and Latvian hockey players did not use the majority in this third as well. Tino Kessler scored the fourth puck into an empty net. Unlike yesterday’s test match, this time the Latvian hockey players had a better shot ratio (23:13). Renārs Krastenbergs was recognized as the best in the Latvian team.

In the match held in Lausanne on Friday, the Latvians lost 1:5. Renārs Krastenbergs scored the only goal for the Latvian national team. The coaching staff of the Latvian national team has included three goalkeepers, nine defenders and 15 forwards. Defenders Artūrs Andžans and Sandis Smons, as well as forward Kristaps Skrastiņš, did not go to Switzerland.

In the beginning of the training camp, the Latvian hockey players played two test matches with Austria, celebrating the victory in both with 3:2 in the shootouts, but last week the Latvians lost to the Finns twice with 2:3. The Latvian national team is scheduled to play six test matches at home and two away this spring. On May 3 and 4, the Latvians will meet Norway at home.

The Latvian national team will go to the world championship in the Czech Republic on May 9. The 2024 championship will take place in Prague and Ostrava from May 10 to 26.

Latvia – Switzerland 0:4 (0:1; 0:1; 0:2)

Goals scored by the Latvian national team:
Rejections of the Latvian national team: 12:09 p.m Felix Gavar; 32:27 Marcus Komulus; 45:01 Oskar Lapinski; 53:33 Rihards Marenis; 56:22 Rihards Marenis; 56:22 Marcus Komulus

Goals scored by the Swiss national team: 8:14 a.m Roman Lofel (Gaitan Haas, Tino Kessler); 33:31 Dario Simion (Sven Zenteler, Roman Lofel, more); 44:19 Fabrice Herzog (Inaki Baragano); 59:42 Tino Kessler
Swiss selection rejections: 18:17 Michael Fora; 22:38 Tyler Moy; 29:39 Fabrice Herzog; 39:31 Dominic Egli; 45:01 Gaten Haas; 56:22 Gaten Haas; 56:22 Mark Marchon