High praise for Latvia
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Article summary
Latvia have been congratulated by their country's prime minister after their first-ever UEFA European Championship point.
Article body
Country's gratitude
Emsis made a personal phone call to Latvian Football Federation general secretary Janis Mezeckis to convey the country's gratitude at the way the team performed against the Germans yesterday - a display which leaves them in with a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Historic game
The squad were rewarded with a break from full training on Sunday to meet their wives and girlfriends, and later took part in a light gym and recuperation session. The squad are preparing for the biggest game in Latvia's history against the Netherlands on Wednesday, knowing that a win could see them progress to the knockout stage of the tournament.
'One goal'
"We can have only one goal in our game against the Dutch," said striker Maris Verpakovskis. "There is no sense going on to the pitch with any other thoughts. Besides, we still have a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals."
