The Latvian national team achieved a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands in the Group F match of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The game ended with a score of 72:69 in favor of the visitors, with the winner determined only in the final moments. The top scorers for the Latvian team were Arturs Žagars and Rihards Lomažs, who each scored 21 points. Lomažs also recorded six rebounds. Arturs Strautiņš added eight points and seven rebounds, while Kristaps Kilps contributed seven points and five rebounds. The hosts started the match better and led by eight points after the first quarter — 26:18. However, in the second quarter, the Latvians turned the tide of the game: they first reduced the deficit and then took the lead for the first time. By halftime, the visitors had an eight-point advantage — 41:33. After the break, the initiative returned to the Netherlands. The hosts managed not only to eliminate the deficit but also built an eight-point lead by the start of the final quarter. It seemed that the match was slipping out of the Latvian team's control, but the closing moments belonged to the visitors. With three minutes left before the final buzzer, Arturs Žagars' three-pointer restored the balance, after which Latvia organized a decisive run. When the Netherlands took the lead again with a long-range shot from Mareins Wevers with a minute left, the last word remained with the Latvians. Žagars confidently made two free throws, and then Kristaps Kilps also converted from the line, setting the final score at 72:69. It was the reliable defense and accuracy in free throws in the crucial seconds that allowed the Latvian national team to maintain the winning result. This success was the first official victory for the national team under the guidance of new head coach Jānis Gailītis. Moreover, the Latvians avenged their defeat to the Netherlands in the first round of qualification. In another group match, Poland confidently defeated Austria — 123:77. After five rounds, the Poles have five victories, Latvia and the Netherlands each have two wins, while the Austrian team has won one match. The Latvian team will play its final match of the first stage of qualification on Monday at home against Austria. According to the regulations, the three best teams in the group will continue to compete in the second stage of the qualifiers, where they will vie for spots in the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.