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Eric GrigianFormer Latvian footballer, now coach
Date of Birth: 25.12.1964
Country:  Latvia |
Content:
- Former Latvian Football Player and Coach
- Goalkeeping Career
- Cup Final Success
- Team Achievements
- - Silver medalist in the Latvian SSR Championship (1985, 1987)
Former Latvian Football Player and Coach
Erik Grigjans is a former Soviet and Latvian football player who transitioned into coaching after his playing career. He is widely recognized as one of the best penalty-saving specialists in Latvian football history.
Goalkeeping Career
Grigjans enjoyed a successful goalkeeping career in Latvia. He was awarded the title of "Best Goalkeeper of the Latvian Championship" in 1991 and 1993. His impressive penalty-saving record included 50% effectiveness, with 13 successful saves, surpassing the record of V. Shandov. Over 180 matches played as a goalkeeper in the Latvian championships, Grigjans conceded only 278 goals, maintaining an average of 1.54 goals per game. He also kept 48 clean sheets and saved 13 out of 26 penalty kicks faced.
Cup Final Success
Grigjans' unique ability to save penalties was particularly evident in four Latvian Cup finals, each with a different club. In each final, he made at least one crucial penalty save:
- In 1991, playing for Daugavpils "Stroițelis," he saved two penalties in the post-match penalty shootout against "Forums-Skonto."
- In 1992, with "Kompar/Daugava," he saved a penalty in the regular time of the match against "Skonto."
- In 1994, representing "Olimpija," he thwarted a penalty in the 77th minute against DAG, enabling his team to advance to a 1-0 victory.
- In 1999, playing for "Riga," he saved one penalty (out of two) in regulation and extra time against "Skonto," followed by three more penalty saves in the shootout.
Team Achievements
Grigjans contributed to numerous team achievements during his playing days:
- Silver medalist in the Latvian SSR Championship (1985, 1987)
- Silver medalist in the Latvian Championship (1993)- Winner of the Latvian Cup (1991, 1994, 1999)
Individual Honors
Grigjans' exceptional performances earned him individual recognition:
- "Best Goalkeeper of the Latvian Championship" (1991, 1993)
