Latvia's loss repeated the cardinal sin in international football - losing at home. Latvia lost to Scotland 1-0 on Sept. 2 in Riga.
Lithuania suffered the same fate, losing 4-0 to Georgia on the same day in group eight.
The Lithuanian Soccer Federation took out their anger on national coach Stasys Stankus, sacking him Oct. 10. Assistant coach Julius Kvedaras stepped in for Lithuania's qualifier Oct. 11 against Hungary. Results of that match were not available as of press time.
The Estonian national side was a bit more fortunate, posting a 2-1 victory in Andorra on Oct. 6 and completing a much-needed sweep of the Andorran side.
Estonia, which lost to Portugal last month, has six points in group two, which also includes Ireland, Cyprus and the mighty Netherlands.
In Riga, Belgium's Marc Wilmots scored what would be the winning goal just four minutes into the game against a Latvian team that looked completely different from the one that played Scotland for 88 minutes of 0-0 football in the their last qualifier Sept. 2 in Riga. Latvia went on to lose that game 1-0 on an 89th minute goal.
There was no such suspense against Belgium, a physically bigger team that dominated Latvia from the opening whistle and shut down Latvian star Marians Pahars, the striker for Southampton of the English Premier League.
"We just did not perform, but Belgium were strong for 90 minutes," said Latvia's coach Gary Johnson. Bob Peeters put Belgium up 2-0 in the 12th minute and substitute Jurgan Cavens made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute. Gert Verheyen twisted the knife with a goal in the final minute.
In addition to Belgium and Scotland, Latvia's group also includes a tough Croatia team and tiny San Marino.
Latvia travels to San Marino Nov. 15.
Lithuania, which is grouped with Georgia, Romania, Hungary and Euro 2000 runners up Italy, next travels to Italy in March.
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