With six goals during the qualifying phase, Latvia were reliant on Maris Verpakovskis' goals.
Latvia
Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs worked wonders to get his side through to the Euro 2004 finals but now the hard work starts as Latvia take on three of Europe's best sides.
Latvia are the only first-time qualifiers at Euro 2004. In their vital final home qualifier against Hungary, an outstanding personal performance from Maris Verpakovskis inspired the Latvians to a brilliant win.
A playoff place was ensured with a remarkable win away to Sweden – Verpakovskis scoring the only goal - before Latvia took on Turkey in the playoffs.
Another Verpakovskis goal was enough to win the first leg 1-0 in Riga and despite trailing 2-0 in the return leg, Latvia mounted an extraordinary comeback to draw 2-2 with goals from Laizans and, inevitably, Verpakovskis.
European Championship Record
The Matches
|
Date |
Opponents |
Venue |
Comp |
KO |
|
15 Jun 04 |
Czech Republic |
Aveiro |
ECF |
1-2 |
|
19 Jun 04 |
Germany |
Porto (Bessa) |
ECF |
0-0 |
|
23 Jun 04 |
Holland |
Braga |
ECF |
0-3 |
The Squad
The Latvian squad will appear here