To simplify a complex episode in history -The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia gained their independence from Russia and Germany at the conclusion of the 1914-18 war.
Within a few years they had entered the arena of international football.
Estonia debuted with a 6-0 away defeat at the hands of Finland in October 1920.
Latvia played their first international against Estonia in September 1922. The match in Riga was a 1-1 draw.
Lithuania's entry onto the international scene came in June 1923, when Estonia beat them 5-0 in Kaunas.
All three Baltic states competed in the 1924 Olympics.
Estonia lost 1-0 to USA in the preliminary round, which also saw Lithuania beaten 9-0 by Switzerland.
Latvia received a bye into the first round, where they were beaten 7-0 by hosts France.
Over the next few years the three nations played each other in friendlies.
In 1928 the Baltic Cup was held for the first time, a round robin tournament held at Tallinn on 25th, 26th and 27th July, which was won by Latvia.
26.7.28 Lithuania 0-6 Estonia
27.7.28 Latvia 1-0 Estonia
Arkādijs Pavlovs (Latvia), scorer of the first ever Baltic Cup goal.
Arnold Pihlak (Estonia), the Austria Wien player scored 3 against Lithuania.
