Scoutmania

Daugavas stadions (Liepāja, Latvia). Back in last year’s August, when Virslīga team FK Liepāja had to face AFA Olaine from the domestic second level in the Latvian Cup quarter-final. The home team moved to the next round by a narrow 1-0 win, which showed the well-organized and tough defending of AFA Olaine.

Before this round, FK Liepāja went through FS Jelgava, another Virslīga team by a 2-4 away win while AFA Olaine from the away side won its 1/8 final match by 1-2 against JDFS Alberts – which team had a playoff clash for the possible promotion to the Latvian football pyramid’s highest tier, later during the season.

FK Liepāja, under its Georgian coach Tamaz Pertia, who guided several teams in Latvia already and won the competition with his current club back in 2017, started this match in 4-3-3 ‘defending’ shape. They tried to dominate in play immediately after the kick-off; also found the way in the early minutes how to put the opposing defense and the goal under considerable, heavy pressure. The benefits of the individual qualities were significant; the home players could speed up the play in every areas, resulting continuous, swift build up play, which was able to be led to the opposition box.

(Five attacking players of FK Liepāja inside or around the opposition box; attempting to score three times within few seconds)

Liepāja scored the decisive goal in the 58th minute, by a brilliant header of the team’s veteran Brazilian player Dodô – who serves his club since 2019. It was assisted by the electric, Senegalese winger Mouhamadou Diaw; Diaw came on from the bench after the break – having a solid 45 minutes.

AFA Olaine, led by Mihails Zemļinskis, who also won the Latvian Cup earlier (with FK Daugava Daugavpils, back in 2008), played in 5-4-1 formation – seeking for the opportunities to make unexpected counter-attacks. The team’s tactical discipline was visible as they tried to keep the shape they played in, throughout the entire first half (as we can see by the image below). Defensively the players seemed focused enough; it was delighting to see their discipline in defense.

(AFA Olaine out of possession, holding the 5-4-1 shape)

Patriks Balodis, goalkeeper of the team, contributed by several outstanding or extra saves to keep the score/difference narrow. His great performance was massive boost for the defensive section, which could continue the strong concentration on the main task.

By this 1-0 win, FK Liepāja managed itself to be in the 2024 Latvian Cup semi-finals; AFA Olaine from the guests side demonstrated an extra, high quality defensive play – so they couldn’t be ashamed of their performance either.

The result of the ‘best potential players’ game? 1-1!

Aram Baghdasaryan (FK Liepāja), attacking midfielder born in 2006.

Aram, Armenian-Latvian player of the team, came on from the bench for the second half and had a solid game to the end. Demonstrated quickness in the offensive movements; attempted to score both from inside and outside of the opposition box, while was also able to create chance(s) for his teammates. His likeable mentality was mixed with great attitude; presented himself strongly confident. Technically gifted one, skillful on the ball – showed superb ball movements as well as tenacity at keeping the possession; treated the physical contacts well, focused on avoiding to be ‘shaky’.

Jānis Vinogradovs (AFA Olaine), left-back born in 2005.

Jānis, playing as left-back, had only defensive duties and tasks, he got no instructions (and had no intention) to support or to build up the offensive play on his flank. He often demonstrated ‘creative’ defensive solutions as trying to play on ball instead of making unnecessary or inconsistent moves. Was able to block opposing efforts by performing slidings as well as taking the balls from the opponent players by determined and aggressive standing tackles. His aerial defending and aerial presence turned to be significant, even while he had to participate in these situations inside the team’s box. The (defensive) play of him was important to keep the home team on only one goal scored.

Players to FOLLOW also (including older age groups): FK Liepāja attacking midfielder Danila Patijčuks (2003), Senegalese players Pape Doudou (right winger, 2003), Mouhamadou Diaw (left winger, 2002) and Cheikh Diouf (defensive midfielder, 2002); and AFA Olaine Latvian-Nigerian centre-back Daniels Suško (2004).

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