Euro 2004 Football - Latvia

Founded 1921   Fifa 1923

Prospects for the European Football Championship 2004

Latvia played as a national team up until 1949 where upon their star players were absorbed into the USSR until 1993.  Since the break-up of the mighty USSR, Latvia, have re-formed their own national team.

' We are pleased to be here in Portugal' , must be the Latvian footballers cry.  My mate ' Barking' Eddie made a big bet that Latvia will not score a goal in the tournament.  While there is no compelling reason to believe they are not just making up the numbers, I could not sit on the edge of my seat like Eddie, hoping Latvia will not score.

Previous Euro Cup - None

Runners up in Euro 2004 Qualifying Group 4

Finished second, then beat Turkey to qualify. 3-2 Aggregate

Latvian Squad for European Football Championship 2004

Coach: Aleksandrs Starkovs

Man to watch: Maris Verpakovskis.

Goalkeepers
Alexander Kolinko (Rostov)
Andrejs Piedels (Skonto)
Andris Vanins (Torpedo-Metallurg) Russia
Defenders
Igors N. Stepanovs (Beveren)
Mihails Zemlinskis (Skonto)
Olegs Blagonadezdins (Skonto)
Dzintars Zirnis (Liep Metalurgs)
Alexsandrs Isakovs (Skonto)
Maris Smirnovs (Ventspils)
Valentins Lobanovs (Skonto)
Igors Korablovs (Ventspils)
Juris Laizans CSKA Moscow
Midfielders
Vitalijs Astafjevs (Admira-Wacker)
Andrejs Rubins (Shinnik), Russia
Imants Bleidelis (Viborg), Denmark
Jurgis Pucinsks (Shinnik)
Viktors Dobrecovs (Liep Metalurgs)
Forwards
Igors Semjonovs (Skonto)
Andrejs Stolcers (Fulham)
Vladimirs Kolesnicenko (Torpedo Metallurg)
Maris Verpakovskis (Skonto)
Vits Rimkus (Ventspils)
Marians Pahars (Southampton)
Mihails Miholaps (Skonto)