Latvia

23 June :: Netherlands - Latvia 3-0
The Netherlands claimed their place in the quarterfinals, as a comfortable win against Latvia was combined with a German defeat by the Czech Republic. It was the first time these two countries had met and the Netherlands went on the offensive straight from the kick-off.In the 26 minute Vitalis Astafjevs was adjudged to have tripped Edgar Davids in the box. Van Nistelrooij stepped up and coolly slotted the ball low into the corner of the net. With news filtering from the stands that the Czech Republic had equalized against Germany, the Dutch players gained even more zip and doubled their lead. A free-kick from Seedorf wide on the left was met by Cocu at the back-post and his downward header was nodded over the line by Van Nistelrooij, who joined Wayne Rooney as joint top scorer in the finals so far. The icing on the cake came with Makaay's goal six minutes from time after a superb jinking run by Robben.

19 June :: Latvia - Germany 0-0
Throughout the opening exchanges, Latvia's robust approach easily kept Germany at bay. With Freddie Bobic almost anonymous up front and Michael Ballack again subdued it wasn't proving too difficult.Only Germany's Philipp Lahm posed a threat, making some incisive overlaps down the left side. Workmanlike Latvia continued to contain their opponents.The draw at the Estadio do Bessa gave Latvia their first ever tournament point.

15 June :: Czech Republic - Latvia 2-1
Thanks to two goals in the last 17 minutes, the Czech Republic narrowly defeated Latvia 2-1 at Aveiro.Verpakovskis opened the score at the end of the first half stunning the Czechs who up to that point were in control of the match.In the second period, Latvia tried to pack it in but the consistency of Nedved and his teammates eventually produced opportunities.The reigning Golden Ball holder had a dangerous shot himself in the 53rd minute but was denied by Kolinko.Not long after, Baroš equalized by exploiting the disorganization of the Latvian defense.With barely 5 minutes on the clock, Heinz volleyed in the winning goal for the Czechs.

Overview
Many eyebrows were raised after Latvia managed to qualify for Euro 2004 by beating Turkey.This in itself is a milestone in the nation's footballing history.

Latvia Squad - Final Selection

	Player	Club	Born	Position
1.	Aleksandrs Kolinko	Rostov	18.06.1975	GK
2.	Igors Stepanovs	Beveren	21.01.1976	DF
3.	Vitalijs Astafjevs	Herold Admira	03.04.1971	MF
4.	Mihails Zemlinskis	Skonto FC	21.12.1969	DF
5.	Juris Laizans	CSKA Moskva	06.01.1979	MF
6.	Olegs Blagonadezdins	Skonto FC	16.05.1973	DF
7.	Aleksandrs Isakovs	Skonto FC	16.09.1973	DF
8.	Imants Bleidelis	Viborg	16.08.1975	MF
9.	Maris Verpakovskis	Dynamo Kyiv	15.10.1979	AT
10.	Andrejs Rubins	Shinnik	26.11.1978	MF
11.	Andrejs Prohorenkovs	Maccabi Tel-Aviv	05.02.1977	AT
12.	Andrejs Piedels	Skonto FC	17.09.1970	GK
13.	Jurgis Pucinsks	Luch-Energia	01.03.1973	MF
14.	Valentins Lobanovs	Metalurg Zaporizhya	23.10.1971	MF
15.	Maris Smirnovs	FK Ventspils	02.06.1976	DF
16.	Dzintars Zirnis	FHK Liepajas Metalurgs	25.04.1977	DF
17.	Marians Pahars	Southampton	05.08.1976	AT
18.	Igors Korablovs	FK Ventspils	23.11.1974	DF
19.	Andrejs Stolcers	Fulham	-	MF
20.	Andrejs Pavlovs	Skonto FC	-	GK
21.	Mihails Miholaps	Skonto FC	24.08.1974	AT
22.	Arturs Zakresevskis	Skonto FC	07.08.1971	DF
23.	Vits Rimkus	FK Ventspils	21.06.1973	AT
	Coach:

Latvia Fixtures
All kick-offs are in local Portuguese time (GMT 0)

Tuesday, 15th June 19.45
Latvia vs Czech Republic (Group D)
at Aveiro

Friday, 19th June 17.00
Latvia vs Germany (Group D)
at Porto

Wednesday, 23th June 19.45
Latvia vs Holland (Group D)
at Braga