Latvia held off France 11-5 to qualify for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in placement play towards fifth place at the 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Thursday.
Latvia is appearing in in its fifth men’s championship after appearing in the last four dating back to 2006. The Latvians took 20th place in the 2023 edition, and have turned in one of the most impressive campaigns at the 2025 EMLC with wins over Netherlands, Scotland and France, all teams that finished ahead of Latvia in 2023.
Both Latvia and France advanced the quarterfinals but fell on Wednesday, and had to battle for the three spots available alongside two other quarterfinalists.
Pents Matusevics Eistrats helped Latvia overturn an early France lead, and then Latvia erupted for a four goal run in the last 10 minutes of the first half to lead 7-2 at the break.
Latvia was able to control the game the rest of the way with an excellent day on face offs, keyed by a 15 of 18 showing by Vinsents Entonijs Faciponti.
Eistrats’ hat trick led the way for Latvia and Dzeimss Edvards Moens added three points with two crucial assists.
Latvia advanced to the fifth place game against Czechia while France will play the Germany in the seventh place game for a direct spot in the 2027 Men’s Championship on Saturday.
Latvia is the fifth team from Europe to secure its spot in the field at the 2027 Men’s Championship, joining England, Ireland, Israel, Italy as well as the host Japan.
