RIGA (EuroBasket Women) - There has never been such a thing as "halcyon days" for women's basketball in Latvia.

The team that won the hearts of an entire nation by reaching the Semi-Finals of the EuroBasket Women in 2007 and then played at the Beijing Games before hosting EuroBasket 2009 grinded out victories to become a force in the international game.

Nothing ever came easy.

The team had firepower on offense in Anete Jekabsone and Gunta Basko, but the two most important ingredients for that squad's success was hustle on defense and a fan support that was arguably the best in women's basketball.

With that in mind, the loss of veteran players to injuries or retirement is not going to prove to be the determining factors for Latvia at the EuroBasket Women next month when it attempts to qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.

Aigars Nerips' side has lost veteran center Zane Tamane to retirement, while forward Sabine Niedola was on Tuesday ruled out for the tournament after suffering torn knee ligaments in a friendly against Belarus.

Niedola has joined power forward/center Aija Putnina, who hurt her shoulder in April, on the injured list.

The mood has dampened, but Latvia are not beaten.

In the Latvian Basketball Federation announcement ruling out Niedola, Nerips spoke about the team's situation.

"We had planned to try out Sabine at four (power forward), where her speed could perhaps compensate for her lack of height,” Nerips said.

The coach remains upbeat after watching his team take on Belarus.

"The first friendly game with the Belarus team confirmed that the defense will be able to fight with all the opponents," he said.

"We still have time to make many of our weapons sharper."

In one month's time, Latvia, who are 16th in the FIBA Ranking Women, will run onto the floor and face hosts France in their Group C.

FIBA