Latvia “beats” Switzerland, but concedes in the second game as well

Continuing to prepare for the 2024 world hockey championship, the Latvian national team led by Harijas Vītoliņš recognized the superiority of Switzerland for the second time in two days – 0:4. Elvis Merzlikins took part in the fight in Latvia’s goal.

In the ninth minute of the game, the home team took the lead – Romēns Lefel beat Elvi Merzlikina.

In the continuation of the third period, the Swiss made it 2-0, but after watching the video replay, the referees decided not to count the goal.

Once at the end of the first period and twice in the first half of the second third, Latvia had the opportunity to play in the numerical majority. None of the three majorities could be used.

In the second half of the second period, Markus Komuls was sent off for holding an opponent and Switzerland punished Latvia, making it 2-0. Dario Simion scored an accurate shot.

At the beginning of the final period of regular time, Fabrice Herzogs already made it 3-0, while in the continuation both teams declined a lot. The Latvians earned eight penalty minutes, while the Swiss earned six.

In the last seconds, Harijs Vītoliņš decided to change the goalkeeper for the sixth field player. The Latvians did not use the advantage of one man and let in the fourth goal, sending the puck to an empty Latvian fortress to Tino Kesler.

In the Latvian national team’s second test match against Switzerland, Renārs Krastenbergs was recognized as the best player, while the best player of the match award went to the experienced goalkeeper Reto Berra, who managed all 24 shots made by Latvians.

The Latvian hockey players led by Harijas Vītoliņš will now return to their homeland, where they will continue to prepare for the 2024 World Championship. On May 3 and 4, Latvia will play the final test matches against Norway in Arena Riga.