RIGA - In its final friendly match before the European Championship kicks off next week in Portugal, Latvia took on the not especially mighty Azerbaijan at Skonto Stadium on June 6. Unfortunately, the game wasn't especially friendly, and neither did it reveal much about the Latvian team's potential to the scouts from Latvia's group rivals, Holland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
Still, at least the weather was bright. And the home fans turned out in force. A crowd of 8,000 would be considered a national disaster for a German or Dutch home game, but in Latvia it's a pretty impressive figure. And the crowd was certainly in a good mood.
The game got off to a cagey start but Latvian midfielder Imants Bleidelis had a close call in the 12th minute. Azerbaijan swiftly replied with a shot on goal from Gurban Gurbanov, but it was comfortably saved by Latvia's reserve goalkeeper Andrejs Piedels, who was filling in for Aleksandrs Kolinko.
Azerbaijan's Emin Aghayer was fouled in front of the 18-yard line shortly after that and the game turned increasingly bad tempered. Fortunately, the Finnish referee made the best of a messy situation and, in a game that saw five yellow cards and two penalty shots, managed to prevent any of the players from seeing red.
After a goalless and largely lackluster first half, the second half was a bit more exciting. Latvian coach Aleksandrs Starkovs, substituted Vits Rimkus and Imants Bleidelis for Andrejs Prohorenkovs and Valentins Lobanovs respectively, to try and perfect his midfield options which will be crucial to Latvia's chances of progressing in the tournament.
The game only really came to life when Latvian golden boy Maris Verpakovskis scored in the 53rd minute with a diving header from a wonderful pass by Andrejs Rubins. Azerbaijan's Emin Guliyev quickly equalized with a skilful long-range shot.
But despite the relative weakness of the opposition, you could sense the nervousness permeating the Latvian team. Verpokovskis was substituted by Andrejs Stolcers in the 64th minute, probably because Starkovs was afraid of his greatest asset being damaged in the less than cordial nature of the game.
Latvia's Igors Stepanovs gave away a penalty in the 74th minute, which Gurban Gurbanov calmly slotted home to put Azerbaijan 2-1 up. Stepanovs will have to be a lot more prudent when faced with the wonderfully subtle movements of the Dutch and Czech players.
Rubins had a shot saved on the goal line but the ensuing goalmouth chaos led to a yellow card for the Azerbaijan goalkeeper for insulting the referee.
Things came to a head when Rubins, who was one of Latvia's most impressive performers throughout the game, was pulled down in the penalty box in the 80th minute and awarded a penalty shot. Mihails Zemlinskis scored to end the game 2-2.
As expected, the Latvian coach, Aleksandrs Starkovs, didn't really tinker about with his tried-and-trusted tactics. But on the strength of this performance, Latvia will have its work cut out in Portugal. Azerbaijan was the more organized and controlled team, while Latvia tended to lunge after the ball and never really recreated its measured style that helped it qualify.
It's doubtful whether Starkovs has the tactical skill or the strength-in-depth in his squad to really adapt his team formation to outplay the likes of Holland and the Czech Republic. Fullback Dzintars Zirnis hardly looked convincing as he was easily beaten by the Azerbaijan forwards many times. Latvia's real strength is in its midfield, but there's a real danger it can be disrupted and the vital supply to Pahars and Verpakvskis broken.
Latvia will have to play an aggressive style of soccer if it is to get around the defensive solidity of the Germans and the awesome skill of the Dutch and the Czechs.
But although Portugal will doubtless be daunting for Latvia, its players are certainly capable of playing - and beating - the best. After the game, Starkovs said that he was looking forward to Portugal and at the moment he wasn't nervous. He also said he had back-up plans for the players if any of them got nervous. Perhaps he'll smuggle a bottle of Rigas Balzams to the bench.
Latvia plays the Czech Republic on June 15, followed by Germany on June 19. Its final group game is against Holland on June 23 (the day of the Jani festival).
If Latvia can pull off a win against the Czech Republic and tie with Germany, then Latvia's traditional midsummer celebrations will be sure to include a television set.
The Netherlands recent 0-1 loss to Ireland and Germany's 0-2 loss to Hungary should give Latvia every reason to go to Portugal feeling full of pride and hope.
