Tough lesson for lacklustre Latvia
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Article summary
Latvia 0-3 Uzbekistan The Baltic nation suffer defeat in a game marred by two late red cards.
Article body
Latvia 0-3 Uzbekistan
Lively start
The friendly got off to a lively start, and it was the visitors who took the lead thanks to a 41st-minute effort from Andrey Akopians. The game was keenly contested, but Uzbekistan pressed home the victory with two late goals. Anvar Soliev struck with ten minutes left, before substitute Alexander Geinrikh completed the scoring on 86 minutes.
Double dismissal
Shortly after that third goal Geinrikh made a run down the flank, which led to Zemlinskis and Ashurmatov becoming involved in an off-the-ball incident. Both were shown red cards.
Demoralising blow
The result is a blow for Latvia, who are still in the running for UEFA EURO 2004™ qualification from Group 4, currently lying in third. They now face Poland at home on 6 September before hosting Hungary four days later.