Latvia U17 vs Estonia U17

Estonia, who had held Finland 0-0 on 28 June, matched Latvia for much of the first half. The sides went into the break goalless, with Latvia holding the territorial edge but unable to convert.

The pattern continued through the second period. Latvia pressed higher, forced more turnovers and created half-chances, but the final ball repeatedly let them down. Gluščuks turned to his bench for a spark, introducing Maligins in the second half.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute. Maligins collected the ball on the edge of the area and fired a low shot into the far corner, beyond the reach of the Estonia goalkeeper.

Latvia doubled their lead late in regulation time when they were awarded a penalty. Maligins stepped up and converted calmly from the spot.

In stoppage time, Liks Mballá rounded off the scoring to make it 3-0, giving the scoreline a more emphatic look than the match had suggested for the first 82 minutes.

Maligins' introduction changed the game. Latvia had controlled possession and territory without finding a cutting edge until his 83rd-minute opener. Once the first goal went in, Estonia were forced to push forward, leaving space that Latvia exploited for the penalty and the third goal — both arriving in the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time.

Zahars Maligins (Latvia U17) — Player of the match. The substitute scored twice in the final 10 minutes, first with a composed finish from open play, then a coolly taken penalty. His impact off the bench was decisive in a match that had been goalless for 82 minutes.

Liks Mballā (Latvia U17) — Clinched the win with a stoppage-time strike, his second goal in as many Baltic Cup matches after also scoring against Lithuania.

Latvia's defensive unit — Kept a clean sheet against an Estonia side that had frustrated Finland in the opening match. The rotated back four, playing together for the first time in the tournament, conceded no clear chances.

The provider data shows a 0-0 half-time scoreline that reflects a cagey opening 45 minutes. Latvia's greater urgency after the break is evident in the timing of their goals — all three arrived after the 82nd minute. The 3-0 final score understates how long Estonia kept the match competitive; for 82 minutes, the Baltic neighbours were level. Latvia's 11 changes from the Lithuania match explain the lack of first-half cohesion, while the three late goals highlight the depth Gluščuks has at his disposal.

Latvia U17 made it two wins from two in the Baltic Cup (5-1 vs Lithuania, 3-0 vs Estonia), putting them in strong position heading into their final group match against hosts Finland on 2 July 2026. A win or draw against Finland would secure the tournament title. Estonia, who drew 0-0 with Finland and lost 3-0 to Latvia, face Lithuania on 2 July.

Latvia entered the tournament as defending Baltic Cup U17 champions, having won the 2025 edition in Estonia with victories over Finland (2-1), Estonia (4-2) and Lithuania (5-4).

A game of two halves — or rather, of 82 minutes of deadlock broken by a devastating late flurry. Latvia's depth proved the difference, with substitutes providing the cutting edge that the first-choice XI could not. Estonia will feel they competed well for the majority of the match but had no answer once Maligins broke the deadlock.