Things to know about Ventspils
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: Cup winner
Coach: Sergei Podpaly
Star: Sukhanov
Links to Örebro: In March 2002, the teams played a pre-season friendly against each other in Latvia. Veterans Anttonen and Nordback participated in the 1-1 draw, where Jon Lundblad scored
Comment: How come a Latvian team is seeded in the 2nd round? It takes a bit of work to get there, and since Ventspils was created and entered the “Virsliga” they have the following streak: 4-3-3-2-2-2-3-3-3-1-1-1-2-2 (mostly second to Skonto). Unlike Skonto, Ventspils are not against bringing Russians on the team. Last year they were second and thus missed the Champions League qualifier, but it may be the only team that already now can be pretty sure they will be there next year. Latvia plays spring-autumn (like Sweden) and so far this year Ventspils have 11 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses and a goal difference of 39-2! But then again, it is the Latvian league. At European level, they only got anywhere was in 09/10, when they beat Bate Borisov to get to Champions League play-off which they lost but earned a spot in the Europa League group stage where they got 3 points after draws at home to Heerenveen and away to Hertha Berlin and Sporting Lisbon.
This is how we beat them: Despite the 39 goals in 12 games, Ventspils strength is in defence. Their three national team players are all defenders, captain Savcenkovs and yougsters Bespalovs and Rugins. Up front, new Sukhanov is top scorer of the league so far. One could argue that it should be hard for such a new team, 16 players came on for this season, but clearly everything clicks. I name us favourites, but just.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
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