The Ventspils Gazette
Match12 Aug 2026
Ventspils march on in the cup
Daugavpils are out and Ventspils go through, 2‑0 the final word. The bracket opens up a little, and everyone allows themselves a look at it.
Market17 Aug 2026
Ventspils say no — this time
The offer from Pobeda for Raivis Cauna was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Marcis Ciganovs in a row with a teammate
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ventspils this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Words at Ventspils training over how hard people work
Somebody said out loud what several people had been thinking. Nikita Rugins is at the centre of it, and the squad will now find out whether the standard rises or the pair of them simply stop speaking.
The terraces17 Aug 2026
Ventspils supporters have found a favourite in Arturs Rugins
There is a particular warmth a ground reserves for a 23-year-old it feels ownership of. Arturs Rugins has it now, and everything he does for the rest of his time here will be measured against the goodwill he was handed for free.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Alvis Tarasovs gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Nothing got past Nikita Gabovs
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 18 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Nikita Ikaunieks was the difference for Ventspils
Marked 7.90. Ask anyone leaving the ground what settled it and you will get one name, which is the only award that has ever really counted.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Roberts Savalnieks signs a new deal
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Roberts Savalnieks commits to Ventspils for another 3 years.
In brief
- Market Eduards Tarasovs placed on the list
- Market Kirils Iļjins arrives on loan
- Player ratings Alvis Tarasovs runs at them all day