by The UEFA Women’s Nations League returns this Friday 27th October. Group C1 will continue with Latvia welcoming Moldova and Malta hosting Andorra. Malta could head to the December break needing only one win if it can maximise points against Andorra and if Latvia and Moldova win points off each other. However, Latvia will eye two victories to keep up the pressure, while wins for Moldova and Andorra could blow the group wide open.
The Story in Group C1 So Far
Each team has thus far played two matches. Malta currently tops the group with six points, after a slender 1-0 victory over Latvia and a more convincing 2-0 home victory against Moldova last September. Meanwhile, Latvia and Andorra each have three points following Latvia’s 4-0 victory over Andorra, and Andorra’s 2-1 victory over Moldova in their opening match. The latter are yet to notch their first point in the tournament.
This round of fixtures will see the teams play their last different opponent in the group twice, as the third match gives way to the fourth, which starts the reverse fixtures. Latvia will initiate this round of matches against Moldova at home with an early kick-off at 13:30 this Friday 27th October. The reverse fixture will be played on Tuesday 31st October with Moldova hosting the Latvians. Moldova could surpass Latvia if they can win both matches. However, Latvia will seek to pile further misery on the Moldavian team in search of keeping the pressure on Malta.
Meanwhile, Malta will first welcome Andorra on Friday at 20:00, before the Maltese contingent flies to Andorra for the reverse fixture that will be played on Tuesday. Andorra will be hoping to add to their three points to keep company with Latvia and Malta. On the other hand, Malta will want nothing more than to extend their lead at the top by winning both matches convincingly.
Key Players
Each country has had a number of standout performers who will be keen to continue their good form. Latvia’s Karlina Miksone currently ties Malta’s Haley Bugeja as the top-scorers in the group with three goals apiece.
Meanwhile, Olga Sevcova has been at the heart of everything positive about Latvia’s attack and she will need to be closely marked by Moldova in the upcoming fixtures if the latter are to have a chance at containing the Latvian attack. On the other hand, Moldova will be looking to keep their first clean sheet and put a dent in Latvia’s progression. Although the team has only scored one goal thus far, courtesy of Irina Topal, the side packs plenty of talent who hurt defences. The team could see themselves rise in the table if they can get players such as Carolina Tabur, Nadejda Colescnicenco and Claudia Chiper working together in their attacks in the upcoming fixtures.
Likewise, Andorra’s captain Marina Muelas and Maria Da Cruz have been key players in set-piece conversion for their team. Meanwhile, Malta’s Rachel Cuschieri and Brenda Borg were both heavily involved in orchestrating attacks for their country, besides the goalscorer Haley Bugeja, whose forward runs wreaked havoc for the Moldovan team especially.
The Maltese side boasts the best defensive record in the group. Despite a few rotations in the defensive back line, the side is yet to concede a goal following the opening matches. Latvia trail closely behind them, having conceded just one, against the same Malta. On the other hand, Andorra have conceded the most goals so far, the tally rising to five.
While these players may have stood out in the opening fixtures, the upcoming games will see some re-shuffle in the squads. Coaches have made a fresh selection based on recent form and also will be welcoming a few players who may have missed out on the opening matches due to injury. The fact that the teams will be facing the same opponent twice in a span of few days adds another strategic twist to the selections, allowing coaches to focus directly on one opponent.
The Stakes
There are plenty of scenarios that could still unfold. Should Latvia drop points against Moldova, while Malta win both matches against Andorra, the Maltese team could go into the December fixtures needing only one victory to secure top place and promotion. However, if both Latvia and Malta keep up their winning momentum, then things could be brought to the boil as late as the final day of fixtures in December. It could result in the group reaching its conclusion with a direct confrontation between Malta and Latvia, at the Centenary Stadium in Malta. Meanwhile, victories for Andorra and Moldova in this window would blow the group wide open.
The stage is certainly set for more history to be made as the teams eye promotion to League B in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League. The story continues this Friday 27th October. Latvia host Moldova at 13:30 CET at the Zemgales OC Stadions in Jelgava. The same day will see Malta host Andorra at 20:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Tickets for that match may be pre-purchased online.
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
