In Latvia, the biggest surprise of the World Cup was tied.
Thursday evening in Riga ended with these moods. EPA / AOP
The Latvians’ 3–1 win against Sweden threw the small but substantial hockey world into a frenzy. On Saturday, Latvia will be playing for a place in the World Cup final for the first time in the country’s history, so the celebrations can continue for at least a few more days.
Latvian Delphi-news website, many of the country’s public figures have closely followed the birth of a beautiful hockey story. Among other things, the president Egils Levits sent congratulations to the team on Twitter. Prime minister Krišjānis Kariņš was speechless and only posted emojis.
“Congratulations to our brave hockey players for their historic victory and reaching the semifinals,” the president tweeted.
Latvia was also reminded of another result that came in May, i.e. Sweden’s Eurovisa win, where Loreen beat out Wrapper and others by referee votes. Latvia, which was in the same semi-final with Sweden, was the best of the ones left out of the final, so the Latvians were left with a bit of a dent in the singing competition.
– That victory was from Eurovision, a Latvian talent expert Edgars Balins Tweet.
– Our ice hockey players are healing the wounds from Eurovision. Sorry Sweden, this is not Eurovision, TV personality Lauris Reiniks posted on social media.
“The loser has to fall”
After the match, the Swedish embassy received guests. Latvian fans gathered in front of the embassy with flowers and a musical instrument. With one published on social media on video supporters played Abba’s song at the gates “The Winner Takes It All”.
Latvia’s victory touched many emotions. One Latvian supporter posted about himself the videowhere he held back tears in the celebrating stands of the Riga Arena.
Latvia has two more chances to organize more surprises and tears of joy. Its games continue on Saturday in the semi-finals against Canada and end on Sunday in either the bronze medal match or the World Cup final. The semifinals and medal games will be played in Tampere.