Latvia Powers Past france 4-1 in World Championship Thriller
RIGA, Latvia – Latvia defeated France 4-1 in their opening game of the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Eduards Tralmaks’s go-ahead goal early in the third period broke a 1-1 tie, and Dans Locmelis sealed the victory with two late empty-net goals.
Tralmaks’s Goal Sparks Latvian Victory
The game remained a tight contest until Tralmaks tipped in a shot from Kristaps Zile at 2:02 of the third period, igniting the pro-Latvian crowd. Locmelis’s pair of empty-netters in the final 90 seconds secured the win for Latvia.
tight First Period Sees France Take Early Led
The first period was a cautious affair, with both teams focused on avoiding mistakes. France struck first when Dylan Fabre tipped in a shot by Jules Boscq at 15:02, giving the French a 1-0 lead.Despite latvia having a significant power-play possibility due to two quick French penalties, they were unable to capitalize, and the period ended with France leading.
Latvia Battles Back in Second Period
Latvia found themselves down 1-0 early in the second period, after a shot from Pierre Crinon hit the post but stayed out of the net. The Latvians increased the intensity, but French goaltender kept the puck away.A short-handed goal by Martins Dzierkals at 15:36 tied the game at 1-1 after Tom Bozon lost the puck in his own end.
Looking Ahead
Latvia faces Canada in their next game, while France will take on Finland. Latvia had won five of the previous six meetings between the two teams.
What specific play led to Martins Dzierkals’ short-handed goal?
Latvia Powers Past France 4-1 in World Championship Thriller
RIGA, Latvia – Latvia defeated France 4-1 in their opening game of the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Eduards TralmaksS go-ahead goal early in the third period broke a 1-1 tie, and dans Locmelis sealed the victory with two late empty-net goals.
Tralmaks’s Goal sparks Latvian Victory
The game remained a tight contest until Tralmaks tipped in a shot from Kristaps Zile at 2:02 of the third period, igniting the pro-Latvian crowd. Locmelis’s pair of empty-netters in the final 90 seconds secured the win for Latvia.
tight First Period Sees France Take Early Led
The first period was a cautious affair, with both teams focused on avoiding mistakes. France struck first when Dylan Fabre tipped in a shot by Jules boscq at 15:02, giving the French a 1-0 lead. Despite Latvia having a significant power-play possibility due to two fast French penalties, they were unable to capitalize, and the period ended with France leading.
Latvia Battles Back in Second Period
Latvia found themselves down 1-0 early in the second period, after a shot from Pierre crinon hit the post but stayed out of the net. The Latvians increased the intensity, but French goaltender kept the puck away.A short-handed goal by Martins Dzierkals at 15:36 tied the game at 1-1 after Tom Bozon lost the puck in his own end.
Looking Ahead
Latvia faces Canada in their next game, while France will take on Finland. Latvia had won five of the previous six meetings between the two teams.
Q&A: Unpacking the Latvia vs. France Matchup
This thrilling victory sets the stage for an exciting World Championship. Stay tuned for more updates on Latvia’s journey!
