The Latvian Football Podcast is an English-language show about all things Latvian football! Are you tired of the same old and looking to discover something new and special? Enjoy dynamic and unpredictable football, on and off the pitch? Do you like discovering new players and witnessing how great potential develops or, sometimes, fades away? Or, perhaps, you just want to watch some quality football over the summer? Then join Dmitrijs and Ēriks as they bring you an overview of the exciting world of Latvian football! Virsliga, National team, Cup games and the ever-present intrigue on an off the pitch - we are here to experience it as it happens and to share it all with you!
Virsliga from the outside, with Charlotte Patterson
Dmitrijs sits down with Charlotte Patterson, an avid football fan and prolific reader, writer, scout, commentator and media manager for Durham City AFC, to find out how she discovered Latvian Virsliga, what she likes and does not like about it, and why Riga is a surprising yet very worthwhile football getaway destination!Charlotte's book recommendations:Titans of the Teardrop Isle: A Season as a Pro Footballer in Sri Lanka, by Seth BurkettUp Pohnpei: Leading the ultimate football underdogs to glory, by Paul Watson (of the Sweeper podcast)One Football, No Nets, by Justin Walley
2/5/2024 • 32 minutes, 10 seconds
Virsliga from the outside, with Ben Griffis
In this new segment, Dmitrijs sits down with Ben Griffis to find out what Virsliga looks like from the outside (of Latvia). We talk about how Ben, himself from the USA, discovered Latvian football and the Virsliga, what he likes or does not like about it, as well as his work with football data and which of Virsliga teams is the closest to his heart.Ben Griffis is a football analyst perhaps best known for his work with data and statistical model-building, which he shares on social media (on Twitter/X under the username @begriffis) in order to highlight and promote the beauty of football around the world.
1/26/2024 • 26 minutes, 41 seconds
The State of Latvian Football Development, with Guntars Indriksons
We are joined by Guntars Indriksons for long and candid conversation about the state of Latvian football. Guntars is one of the most prolific Valmiera FC fans, a former manager of Skonto Stadium and a former member of the Latvian FA Infrastructure Development Committee. Tune in for an uncensored view of the good, the bad, the ugly and the hopeful of Latvian football!(00:00) Guntars Indriksons - football man, Valmiera fan(04:52) Latvian National Team(11:05) Latvia vs Wales(16:16) #DainisOut, but who instead?(19:56) On supporting the National Team(26:14) The Valmiera FC Grand-Player-Garage-Sale: causes and consequences(33:17) Race for the third place(38:42) Skonto Stadium(55:32) What is the ideal stadium capacity for Latvia?(1:04:45) UAE money for the new national stadium?(1:10:06) The state of football infrastructure and how it affects the game(1:29:12) Is football really not King in Latvia?
1/13/2024 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 2 seconds
Virsliga 2023: End of season review (Part 2)
In part 2 of our end-of-season-review, we talk about who we thought were the best players and the biggest surprises, as well as reflect on our beginning of the season predictions and on whether we thought 2023 was a step forward for Virsliga or not.(01:05) Looking back at our predictions(11:28) Virsliga 2023 Best XI(36:56) Best Young Player(38:32) Biggest Flop(44:47) Biggest Surprise(46:59) Virsliga 2023 MVP(49:05) Coaches, goalkeepers, and yellow cards(52:58) Is Virsliga developing?
12/10/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 21 seconds
Virsliga 2023: End of season review (Part 1)
Virsliga 2023 is over, so it’s time to reflect on how it ended, who won (or lost) what, who scored how many goals. In this first episode, we talk about the final standings and the top scorers. (00:00) How it all ended(07:07) FK RFS and Riga FC(10:49) FK Auda(15:37) Valmiera FC(21:56) FK Liepaja(28:42) FS Jelgava(34:07) BFC Daugavpils(38:01) FK Tukums 2000/Telms(42:35) FK Metta(49:03) SK Super Nova Salaspils(56:09) Top scorers
11/20/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 18 seconds
Latvian Cup Final: Stipic 2, Morozs 0
Latvian Cup 2023 is over and Riga FC had won it in a penalty shoot-out against their arch rivals - RFS. Join us as we sit down right after the match to reflect on how it went and on what we can look forward to!
10/26/2023 • 38 minutes, 23 seconds
Virsliga Summer Transfers 2023, with Jānis Vītols
Jānis Vītols of Latvian Footy in English (@LV_footballnews) joins us for our second special episode to reflect on the Virsliga summer transfer window 2023. Who came, who left, who got loaned out and why, and was this transfer window a net gain for the Latvian Higher League? Tune in to find out what the man behind the largest Latvian football English-language social media account thinks of it all!
9/9/2023 • 53 minutes, 41 seconds
Things To Look Forward To: UECL QR3, Latvian Cup, and Virsliga
With the Conference League in the rear view mirror, we reflect on how Riga and Valmiera did in QR3 as well as catch-up on the Latvian Cup and the Virsliga.(02:04) UECL QR3: Riga FC vs FC Twente (and Stipic)(16:50) UECL QR3: Valmiera FC vs FK Partizani Tirana (and Kalns)(25:19) Chasing the Top 33(28:16) The Latvian Cup(45:52) Catching up on Virsliga(57:04) Metta in Europe?
8/27/2023 • 59 minutes, 23 seconds
Then There Were Two: Valmiera, RFS, Riga and Auda after QR2
Games that made sense, games that didn't, games that went as expected, and games that made us lose our minds - the UECL QR2 had it all! Join us as we reflect on how it went for the four Latvian teams in QR2 of the Conference League - Riga, RFS, Valmiera, and Auda - and what awaits Riga and Valmiera in QR3.(00:54) Valmiera FC vs S.P. Tre Penne(10:13) FK RFS vs Sabah FK(22:21) FK Auda vs Spartak Trnava FC(28:27) Riga FC vs Kecskeméti TE(42:38) European games and Latvian football(46:05) UECL QR3: Riga FC vs FC Twente and Valmiera vs FK Partizani Tirana
8/8/2023 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
Latvia in Europe: Valmiera, RFS, Riga and Auda after QR1
UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League are here and we could not be more excited! Join us as we discuss how Valmiera did in their Champions League debut against Olimpija Ljubljana and how both Riga FC and RFS performed in their respective Conference League draws against Vikingur Reykjavik and Makedonija GP! We also look ahead to Qualification round 2 and compare and contrast our, apparently, very different perspectives on how it's going to go down. (00:38) UCL Q1: Valmiera FC vs Olimpija Ljubljana (SVN)(12:01) UECL Q1: FK RFS vs Makedonija GP (MKD)(22:27) UECL Q1: Riga FC vs Vikingur Reykjavik (ISL)(33:55) UECL Q2: Valmiera FC vs Tre Penne (SMR)(41:41) UECL Q2: FK RFS vs Sabah FC (AZE)(44:56) UECL Q2: FK Auda vs FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)(51:16) UECL Q2: Riga FC vs Kecskeméti TE (HUN)(52:50) Looking back and looking ahead
7/23/2023 • 57 minutes, 12 seconds
The business of Virsliga, with Maksims Krivunecs
In our first Special episode, Dmitrijs sits down with the CEO of Virsliga, Maksims Krivunecs, to talk about the business of Latvian Virsliga. Football, in general, is an interesting context within which to examine the various organisations involved, but Virsliga is even more interesting still on account of it being a young competition with very little budgetary impact of matchday revenue. And yet, Latvian club football is punching well above it's weight, currently being ranked 34th by UEFA. How do they do it? Join us for this fascinating conversation to learn how Virsliga is pushing the envelope of digitisation and business model innovation, all the while working on a shoestring budget and devoid of even domestic TV sales! (01:20) Maksims Krivunecs(05:19) The business model of Virsliga(17:09) A note on how clubs make money(17:53) Digitisation and the business of data(38:12) Interest, engagement, commercialisation(42:44) Getting more people into the stadiums(50:01) Three ways to grow further
7/18/2023 • 56 minutes, 34 seconds
Riga FC unfazed, RFS stumble: Virsliga 2023 Rounds 21 and 22
Latest two rounds in the run-up to the European games did not bring many surprises, but did deliver a few exciting games (especially from the lower end of the table). Join us as we catch up on what happened in rounds 21 and 22!(01:29) Tukums vs Metta(03:51) Auda vs Valmiera(07:45) RFS vs Jelgava(12:22) Riga vs Liepaja(18:34) Daugavpils vs Super Nova(22:37) Valmiera vs Tukums(27:42) Liepaja vs RFS(35:27) Riga vs Auda(40:08) Jelgava vs Super Nova(44:39) Metta vs Daugavpils(47:59) Current standings(56:30) Goal of the Round
7/13/2023 • 59 minutes, 43 seconds
Football Festival at Skonto: Virsliga 2023 Round 20
The biggest domestic football night of the year - The Big Riga Derby at Skonto - has arrived and, boy oh boy, it did not disappoint! Join us, as we talk about our experiences of the game (we were both there), rest of matchday 20 clashes, and about some other news in and around Virsliga!(00:00) We are now also on Instagram!(03:09) Some transfer news: Steponavicius, Lemajic, Berqvist, Liepaja, and Riga FC(22:35) The Harušták interview(25:17) Valmiera vs Liepaja(28:49) Metta vs Auda(35:16) Daugavpils vs Jelgava(38:30) Super Nova vs Tukums(43:29) Riga vs RFS(1:00:39) Goal of the Round
7/3/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds
The Auda Supernova: Virsliga 2023 Round 19 and Latvian Cup 1/8
As we roll into the third lap of Virsliga 2023, another competition is upon us - the Latvian Cup! It's been ongoing in the background for a bit of time now, but we are now at a point where Virsliga teams are mixed into the bunch. Join us, as we review the latest round of Virsliga and introduce the six non-Virsliga teams in the Cup draw!(00:00) Introduction, Liepaja vs Metta(09:32) RFS vs Valmiera(19:23) Super Nova vs Auda(24:37) Jelgava vs Riga(32:22) Daugavpils vs Tukums(37:45) Latvian Cup 1/8 Draw(40:16) The 6 non-Virsliga teams
6/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
EURO2024, Champions League and Conference League Q1 Draws
After a crazy rollercoaster of emotions that was Latvia's EURO2024 qualification games against Turkey and Armenia (and the lingering feeling of utter desolution and despair that came with those), we open a new chapter with the first round qualification draws for the Champions League and the Conference League! Exciting! European games are just weeks away and we can't wait!In the Champions League, debutants Valmiera will face NK Olimpija Ljubljana from Slovenia.In the Conference League, Riga FC will face Víkingur Reykjavík from Iceland and RFS will square off with Makedonija GP from... North Macedonia, of course. Who are the favourites and who are the underdogs? Join us as we discuss!(00:00) EURO2024 vs Turkey and Armenia(09:37) Conference League Q1 Draws(19:07) Champions League Q1 Draw
6/21/2023 • 27 minutes, 56 seconds
RFS Still Undefeated!: Virsliga 2023 Mid-season Review
A bit more banter than usual, but join us for mid-season reflections on Virsliga 2023!(02:42) Spezia, Caambur and Tobers(07:42) Latvian NT call-up(17:25) Riga vs RFS(21:24) RFS docuseries - Fight for the Dream(24:04) Riga vs RFS continued(27:09) The Vakulko controversy(29:00) Mid-table(37:12) Lithuanian and Estonian National Teams(39:17) Tukums and Sloka(40:53) Top Scorers(44:46) Bottom of table predictions(46:22) Round 19(47:45) Goal of the Round
6/16/2023 • 48 minutes, 56 seconds
The Big Riga Derby: Virsliga 2023 Rounds 13 to 15
Join us as we catch up on the last three rounds of 2023 Virsliga. Much has happened in and around Virsliga in just short of two weeks, including: 15 games, new coach (and sporting director) in Jelgava, the Big Riga derby part 2, fall of Liepaja and a sneaky rise of Valmiera, transfer bans and so much more! (00:00) Historic IIHF Bronze for Latvia!(09:47) New coach for Jelgava(15:19) Travelling to Riga, Skonto Stadium and Tukums pitch(22:38) Round 13(25:43) Round 14(31:54) Round 15, standings and European musings(50:47) Goal of the round
5/30/2023 • 53 minutes, 56 seconds
Another Penalty!!: Virsliga 2023 Rounds 11 and 12
Goals, goals, goals! This is what matchdays 11 and 12 were all about! Goals and penalties. Join us as we reflect on what happened, as well as take a look at how Latvians abroad are doing.(00:00) Gutkovskis, Uldrikis & Tobers(09:49) Auda vs Liepaja(13:52) Valmiera vs Super Nova Salaspils(15:04) Riga vs Daugavpils & Tukums vs RFS(19:28) Dmitrijs Zelenkovs(22:29) Jelgava vs Metta(26:05) Valmiera vs Auda(30:21) Liepaja vs Riga(34:38) Metta vs Tukums(39:07) RFS vs Jelgava(44:19) Super Nova Salaspils vs Daugavpils(48:16) The league table(55:37) Goal of the Round(s)
5/16/2023 • 59 minutes, 9 seconds
Jelgava in Turmoil: Virsliga 2023 First Lap
Rounds 9 and 10 marked, respectively, the end of the first and the beginning of the second (of four) laps of the Virsliga season 2023. Accordingly, we talk about how the teams are doing thus far, what are some of the major stories around Latvian football, and, as always, award the goal of the round!(00:00) The Baltic League(18:14) Perkons resigns(30:32) General reflections on the first lap(45:03) SK Super Nova Salaspils(49:06) BFC Daugavpils(52:17) FK Tukums(56:16) FK Metta(58:32) FS Jelgava(64:15) Valmiera FC(69:00) FK Auda(73:34) FK Liepaja(78:26) RFS(83:30) Riga FC(88:18) Goal of the Round
5/6/2023 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 24 seconds
Riga supremacy: Virsliga 2023 Rounds 7 and 8
We review rounds 7 & 8 of the 2023 Virsliga season:Riga FC and RFS continue undefeated in an impressive display of dominance;Auda like keeping the ball so much that they refuse to give it up even to score;Tukums finally win while Jelgava and Daugavpils struggle;Liepaja and Valmiera are picking up momentum but still far from being convincing;Super Nova are slowly imploding under the weight of their coach's criticism.Plus an amazing goal of the round(s) award, players to watch, latest on and off the pitch drama, and some early considerations of who will be the first coach to go!Episode contents:(00:00) Introduction(01:26) FK Tukums 0-3 FK Liepaja(06:14) BFC Daugavpils 0-5 RFS(14:32) FS Jelgava 0-0 FK Auda(20:08) SK Super Nova 0-4 Riga FC(24:15) FK Metta 0-1 Valmiera FC(27:25) FK Liepaja 1-0 BFC Daugavpils(32:13) FK Auda 0-3 FK Tukums(39:31) Valmiera FC 2-0 FS Jelgava(46:39) RFS 2-1 SK Super Nova(60:42) Riga FC 4-0 FK Metta(70:17) Goal of the Round(s)(75:11) Round 9
4/26/2023 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 25 seconds
Welcome to Salaspils: Virsliga 2023 Round 6
Join us as we review another exciting round of Virsliga 2023!Riga grands continue undefeatedAuda survive in LiepajaJelgava shows they are here to stayValmiera in a shock loss to Super Nova in SalaspilsAlso, we met the Estonian Football Podcast and is Eriks joining RFS to put pressure on Jagodinskis? Probably not, but he did train with Nagasawa last year.
4/18/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 32 seconds
Metta up the ante: Virsliga 2023 Rounds 4 and 5
Join us as we attempt to stay on top of the rapidly accelerating pace of Virsliga and discuss rounds 4 and 5 at the same time. Riga and RFS continue unbeaten, Valmiera and Liepaja continue to flail while Metta and Jelgava (and, to a lesser extent Daugavpils) continue to impress! We also discuss another verbose press conference from Jurgis Kalns and talk about the recent National Team controversy surrounding Pavels Steinbors and Arturs Zjuzins. Did they already play their last game for the wolves? Probably yes.
4/13/2023 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 22 seconds
Return of the Champions: Virsliga 2023 Round 3
Join us as we discuss Virsliga 2023 Round 3! Lot's of exciting things happened, including the awakening of Daugavpils and Valmiera, first loss for Auda and a first win for Metta. We talk about games, players, coaches, award the Goal of the Round and give our predictions for Round 4!
4/3/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds
EURO2024 Qualifiers: Latvia vs Wales (and Ireland)
Join us as we discuss the first national team break of 2023, where Latvia played a friendly with the Republic of Ireland and a EURO 2024 qualifier against Wales. We also talk about the Latvian national team, coaching philosphy and selection of players, including the customary controversies that go along with it.
3/30/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 19 seconds
The Wrath of Liepaja: Virsliga 2023 Round 2
Join us as we review Round 2 of the 2023 Virsliga! Jelgava continues to turn heads and have picked up their first ever Virsliga win, Daugavpils still looking raw, Auda continue to win while life goes from meh to worse for Valmiera following their defeat at the hands of their former coach. A very salty press conference follows. The Riga derby lives up to expectations while Tukums most certainly do not.Remarkably, Jelgava continues to dominate our Goal of the Round awards, this time going to Valērijs Redjko.Next time, we talk National team as the Virsliga breaks until April!
3/20/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
Snow and Thunder: Virsliga 2023 Round 1
In this episode, we review the first round of the 2023 season Virsliga, give away the very first Latvian Football Podcast goal of the round award, and speculate on what might happen during the next round!
3/15/2023 • 1 hour, 25 seconds
Why care about Latvian football? Introduction to the show & some thoughts on the 2023 season
Welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of Latvian football! In this episode, we kick off the podcast by telling you a bit about the show, about ourselves and our passion for Latvian football. We also share why we think following this league will enrich your life and make you a net happier person! Despite best laid plans, we also could not resist giving you a sneak peek of what to expect from the Virsliga season 2023, which promises to be full of drama, action and surprises!So, join us as we embark on this journey of exploring and living the wonderful and exciting world of Latvian football! You'll love it!
