Ronaldo in Riga as Latvia takes on Portugal

Take note – story published 6 years ago

Latvia's soccer team plays against European Champions Portugal June 9 - including superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh from his Champions League triumph with Real Madrid last week. 

All tickets for the World Cup Qualifier in Riga have been sold, despite the fact that Latvia's qualification campaign for the tournament is effectively over already.

It is 13 years since Ronaldo first graced the turf at Skonto stadium. Back in 2004 he was still an emerging talent and though obviously an immense talent even then, his performance on the night was overshadowed by that of one Liene Buldure, who streaked across the pitch wearing only a pair of panties.

Ronaldo and Co. arrived June 7. Here is some footage of him getting off a bus.

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Friday's game will see Latvian coach Aleksandrs Starkovs - recently reinstalled for a third spell as national coach - blooding up to five new players as he attempts to breathe new life into a team demoralised by poor results even against part time teams such as Andorra and the Faroe Islands.

Whether youthful enthusiasm can offer much resistance to an experienced and wily Portuguese side is doubtful - so the sell-out crowd should at least be assured of seeing a few goals. 

Latvia is currently in fifth place out of six teams in Group B of the European qualifying pools for the World Cup, which will take place in Russia next year. Portugal is fighting it out with Switzerland to top the group and claim automatic qualification for the finals.

The match kicks off at 21:30 Riga time and can be watched live on LTV7 or via the Replay internet site (may not be available in all territories). 

 

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