Latvia, isn’t that the country that Dr Doom rules with an iron fist? Either way, as the most unfortunate underdogs of the tournament, Latvia inhabit a Group D that also harbours Germany and the Netherlands, this little known team from an ex-Soviet territory gained much respect today as they nearly upset the powerful Czech Republic.

Right before half time, Latvia hit the Czechs on the break. Maris Verpakovskis planted Andrejs Rubins’ cross into the Czech net with a well placed header from close range. A shocking occurance given the Czech attacking midfield’s quality of possesion in the Latvian half.

For a while thereafter it seemed as if all those headlines using “Minnow” to describe the Latvians were about ot write themselves. But the Czech Republic’s experience and quality told in the end. On the 73rd minute,, Milan Baros equalized for the Czechs by launching an excellent Karel Poborsky cross past Latvia’s overwhelmed defence. Then in the 85th minute Baros turned provider and found substitute Marek Heinzwho took advantage of mass confusion in the Latvian 18-yard-box to slam the winning goal into Latvia’s goal.

Back to Earth

Though not as cruel as England’s loss to France, Latvia endured a massive letdown after their shock lead allowed them to dream about earning an unexpected lifeline towards surviving the Group of Death. So much for that. Atleast Latvia now have nothing to lose and the ability to force their remaining opponents to take them a bit more seriously. And as far as the Czech Republic is concerned, this scare might be the best thing for them as they now face fellow heavyweights Germany and Holland after being startled into performing in a higher gear.