In the opening match of the Olympic hockey tournament in Milan, Latvia's men's hockey team suffered a significant defeat against the USA, with a final score of 1:5. Coach Harijs Vītoliņš provided insights post-game, highlighting how the team's resilience and character were evident despite the loss. He noted that the first period brought inspiration when two American goals were disallowed following a video review, which motivated Latvian players to battle hard for the remainder of the game.

Vītoliņš pointed out that the Latvians were competing against one of the best teams in the world, one that is a favorite for gold. He acknowledged the importance of the experience, indicating that the players started to grasp the rhythm and speed required to compete at this level. He expressed confidence that the team would analyze their performance and prepare for their next game with renewed focus.

The game served as a significant learning opportunity for the Latvian team, representing not only the challenges they face in elite hockey but also a moment to evaluate their strategies and strengths as they aim for better results in forthcoming matches. Vītoliņš's reflections revealed a balance between acknowledging the tough loss and finding the silver lining in the experience.