First-half Latvia goals defeat Lithuania

Nauris Bulvitis and Artūrs Zjuzins secured Latvia victory against their neighbours in Marian Pahars's first competitive game as coach.

Defender Nauris Bulvitis headed Latvia in front after a corner, and Artūrs Zjuzins punished a defensive error three minutes before the break. A Deivydas Matulevičius goal soon revived Lithuania's hopes, but Latvia held on for the win and move above their opponents into fourth position in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group G.

After a cautious start Latvia took the lead on 20 minutes with their first corner as Juris Laizāns's cross was turned in from close range by Bulvitis. Lithuania's Marius Stankevičius hit the post from distance, but at the other end he was robbed by Valerijs Šabala in the penalty area and he cut back for Zjuzins to curl Latvia's second goal past Žydrūnas Karčemarskas.

Just before the break, however, the visitors got back in to the game as Matulevičius turned in a corner from point-blank range. Lithuania had the initiative in the second half but lacked a finishing touch and Latvia held on; indeed, they came close to a third goal on the counterattack late on. Lithuania host Liechtensten next on Tuesday, when Latvia travel to Greece.