Latvia's lingering hopes of a world cup qualification spot may have been effectively dashed by a disappointing draw with Andorra on Saturday afternoon (theoretically they could still qualify but it would require a string of extremely improbable results from both themselves and others), but the dejected national team has only a short time to pick itself up ahead of a high-profile match against an in-form England team on Tuesday night in Rīga.
Though in effect Latvia is now playing for pride, there is perhaps slightly more at stake for Latvia's young players. With thousands of England fans expected and live television coverage in the United Kingdom (which also explains the preposterous kick-off time of 21:45), the match may act as a handy shop window for players hoping to attract attention from England's numerous football clubs.
Despite losing 3-0, the Latvian team acquitted itself well in the reverse fixture and, similarly, played well for long periods against Serbia and Albania but was unable to take points from the games with a goal drought largely to blame.
Then on Saturday Latvia briefly found themselves 3-1 up against Andorra and playing well - only to have a lengthy and highly contentious VAR review cancel what would have been regarded as a great goal for the first century and a half of Association Football's existence. The long pause while a faceless video referee delivered his disappointing verdict sucked all the fluency out of Latvia's play and to their credit the tiring Andorrans continued to work and sneaked an equalizer to steal a point.
Meanwhile England remain unbeaten in the world cup qualifying group, and are yet to concede a goal. They appear to have hit their stride with a convincing win in Serbia and another fluent display in a warm-up friendly with Wales last week. A win as expected in Rīga would guarantee them a place in next year's World Cup finals in the United States.
Still, it would be completely in keeping with the Latvian team's character if, after a disappointing day against a weak side with all to play for, they turn in a strong performance against a very strong side with little to play for. In addition, the influx of thousands of England fans should ensure a reasonable payday for the Latvian Football Federation - and hopefully those fans will behave themselves.
Latvian Television will provide live coverage of the match on Tuesday night, and you'll also be able to watch it here on LSM.