HEERENVEEN, Holland — Ventspils’ Europa league campaign has ended on a disappointing note, going down 5-0 to hosts Heerenveen in a meaningless encounter for the Latvians.
The Latvians recent loss to Hertha meant they had no chance of advancing to the next round but still had plenty of pride to play for against their Dutch hosts. However, their lack of recent games ultimately conspired against them with the match-fit Heerenveen scoring all their goals in the second half.
The first half was a dour affair with few plays worthy of the highlight reel. Ventspils struggled to find any rhythm in their game with the backs and attackers struggling to gel.
Heerenveen still had a strong chance of qualifying, simply needing to Sporting to lose at the least draw with Hertha at home, as well as record a win themselves. However, the way the home side played in the first-half, you would not think their European campaign depended on a win.
In the second-half, the Ventspils defence began to weaken as the clock began to count down. Heerenveen took full advantage of the tiring Ventspils defence, with their first goal going to Mika Väyrynen in the 55th minute. Just three minutes later and Viktor Elm had his team’s second from a well timed header.
In the 77th minute and substitute Gerald Sibon had his team’s third. In the same minute Sibon had his second, scoring from the restart. Heerenveen added the final nail to the coffin with just two minutes remaining with Daryl Janmaan adding his name to the score-sheet.
Heerenveen’s five goals turned out to be in vain with Hertha scoring an upset 1-0 win over the struggling Sporting in Portugal. Sporting and Hertha will now represent the group in the next round.
Ventspils can be proud of the fact that they are the first Baltic team to make the main drawer of a major European football tournament but will be disappointed in bowing out in the fashion which they did.
This brings football in the Baltics’ end for the season, and ultimately the next three months before the Triobet Baltic League resumes in March.
