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EJL jalgpallihall, Tallinn, Estonia. FC Flora Tallinn, who finished 4th in the table in the Estonian Meistriliiga in 2024, started to prepare for the upcoming season against FK RFS, same opponents they met after the end of last season; FK RFS from Latvia, arrived for this clash only two days after they achieved a huge success in a European competitive game vs Ajax.

After the end of Meistriliiga season 2024, FC Flora Tallinn had one more match to play, just against the same opponents, in the Livonia Cup – which is a traditional clash, contested by the reigning champions of the Estonian Meistriliiga and Latvian Virslīga. That game ended with a 3-0 win for FK RFS, back in November 2024, so FC Flora wanted to fight back.

Latvian side FK RFS, won a UEFA Europa League league phase match against the Dutch Eredivisie record champion club Ajax Amsterdam by 1-0, two days before this friendly – with the goal of the team’s Finnish-Russian midfielder Adam Markhiyev, scored in the 78th minute. This game against FC Flora was an important ‘test’, in terms of the team’s oncoming European competitive encounter against Ukrainian giants FC Dynamo Kyiv.

FC Flora Tallinn, led by the team’s newly appointed manager and former player Konstantin Vassiljev, started this match in a 4-2-3-1 shape. A confident, quick short passing play was prioritized because they felt that FK RFS will try to practice dominance on them immediately after the game begins, so the main focus was on to avoid losing the balls unnecessarily or in crucial areas. It was delighting to see, the coach sent several youngsters to the pitch (even 2010 born) for the second part of the match.

FK RFS, under the guidance of Viktors Morozs, also used a 4-2-3-1 for this encounter. The team’s tough and heavy pressing game made significant difficulties for FC Flora players in several cases; it was continuous during the entire game, even at one and two goals lead. By the quickness at the transitions and with the dynamic attacks, FK RFS was always threatening when its offense arrived to the final third. The play and presence of Senegalese winger Mor Talla were important to rush the opposing goal; his outstanding rapidity both on and off the ball was able to make difference in this game.

The match started with the in-play dominance of the Latvian club, but both goals came from set pieces; in the 15th minute, team captain Czech left-back Petr Mareš took the lead by a wonderful hit from free-kick (0-1), which was followed by a penalty goal of Serbian-Montenegrin striker Darko Lemajić in the 45th minute – setting the final result (0-2).

(The left-footed ‘rocket’ of Petr Mareš, shaping the score 0-1)

The best potential players:

Sander Tovstik (FC Flora Tallinn), left-back/left winger born 2006.

Sander finds his place in every single positions on the left side excellently; in this game he was started as left-back. His intensive pressing play was composed by bravery and great quickness, made tough moments for the opposing players several times. Showed likeable mentality and attitude, mixed with high level of awareness. Demonstrated effective participation in some aerial duels, even when he had to face taller opponents. Skillful on the ball; presented liveliness, in addition to being tenacious enough, when he had to handle the physical pressure.

Uku Korjus (FC Flora Tallinn), right winger born 2010.

Uku is a very young player who came on for the second half of the game. Despite of his age, he is a mature type footballer who was able to show great confidence and bravery. A technically gifted one, seemed quite promising at dribbling and at his ball movements. Was able to put the pressure onto his opponent(s) properly; adapted to the play quickly while tried to present some creative, individual moves too. He is a player whose progress is to be followed, as there is high potential in him.

Gļebs Žaleiko (FK RFS), central/defensive midfielder born 2004.

Gļebs is a midfielder with good stamina and high running capacity; moved and changed his position(s) a lot. The strong liveliness and good level of awareness were typical of him, his quickness and great positional play hand in hand with the off-ball movements turned out to be important for the team’s tactical set-ups. He can be highlighted overall in defending, at build-up play as well as in attacking. He wasn’t afraid of the physical contacts; could gain (or regain) the possession, even on the opposing team’s side. Supported the defense also against FC Flora’s corners.

Rostand Ndjiki (FK RFS), striker/winger born 2004.

Rostand is a quite tall, Cameroonian attacker who has excellent physical structure and strength. Was able to be effective at the attacking duels / offensive 1v1s – it was tough challenge for the opponents to stop him by challenging him physically. A mobile player, with great off the ball movements and outstanding rapidity on the ball; also has the abilities to gain the possession on the opposing half. Had a promising attempt from tight angle in the 27th minute of play and later he won the penalty, which was converted to goal by his teammate Darko Lemajić.

To FOLLOW also FC Flora Tallinn central midfielder Eerik Paltser (2008) and striker Andero Kaares (2009); and FK RFS left centre-back Niks Sliede (2004) and Ukrainian right-back/winger Maksym Derkach (2005).

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