Can Latvia’s Latest Home Kit Push Them up the Rankings?
We’re two games into UEFA’s Nations’ League competition. The initiative was created to install a competitive element into international friendlies. While nobody knows the structure of the tournament, this author thinks that it’s a positive step towards removing the dull, uninspiring gaps in league football. While England couldn’t get a win against Spain, it increased viewership and created fixtures that were genuinely competitive and interesting to watch. During this international break we thought it best to bring you the best of recent international kit releases. So far we’ve seen both Bulgaria’s, Jamaica’s home and away kits. Furthermore, we’ve seen a kit from Peru and also Cyprus. Now it’s time to take a look at Latvia’s latest home kit.
But first, who are they?
Latvia is a country that sits just north of Lithuania and South of Estonia. Like Bulgaria, Latvia’s population is decreasing. Currently 1.96 million people live there. The capital city is Riga and in footballing terms, they’re currently ranked 129th in the world. You would be forgiven for thinking the country’s footballing prowess is non-existent, however in 2009 they were 45th in the world. It is hoped by Mixu Paatelainen that his team can steadily climb the rankings and to do so, they’ve teamed up with Adidas to create a positive, simple home kit.
The kit is claret-coloured. This acts as the perfect blank canvas for the country’s crest and Adidas’ logo. Running diagonally above the crest are a number of symbols pertinent to the country’s heritage.
On Latvia’s home kit, Adidas has opted for a simple neckline. It remains untapered and meets at the front with a shallow ‘V.’ Furthermore, the sleeves also remain un-tapererd and Adidas’ trademark stripes also don’t appear across the shoulders.
Latvia’s next fixture is against Kazakhstan next month.
