Arsenal youth goalkeeper Karl Hein won his first senior international trophy on Thursday, as Estonia ended their 83-year wait to lift the Baltic Cup.

Karl Hein and the Estonia senior national team celebrate winning the Baltic Cup (Photo via Eesti Jalgpall on Facebook)
Karl Hein and the Estonia senior national team celebrate winning the Baltic Cup (Photo via Eesti Jalgpall on Facebook)

Arsenal 19-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein has already become a regular for his country, and on Thursday he made his second consecutive start in goal as Estonia looked to finally lift the Baltic Cup.

A competition contested by Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia (and sometimes Finland) every couple of years, Estonia hadn’t won the trophy since 1938. They were facing 13-time winners Latvia, who were looking for their fourth-consecutive Baltic Cup title.

Estonia and Latvia had both beaten Lithuania to sit level on points in the group, but Latvia had the superior goal difference, so only a win would be enough for Estonia. Fortunately, they raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Arsenal’s Hein managed to maintain his clean sheet until the 84th minute – when Latvia sparked some nerves by converting a penalty. But Estonia held out to end their Baltic Cup drought.

Karl Hein (R) celebrates winning the Baltic Cup (Photo via Hein on Instagram)
Karl Hein (R) celebrates winning the Baltic Cup (Photo via Hein on Instagram)

Hein has now made eight appearances for Estonia, and the Baltic Cup becomes his first piece of senior silverware. All before even making his debut for Arsenal.

The goalkeeper appeared on the bench seven times for the Gunners this season. He’s highly rated by the club, though he has strong competition from Arthur Okonkwo, whose contract situation is currently uncertain.