Gauracs strike lifts Latvia

A lone Edgars Gauracs strike condemned Hungary to defeat and earned Latvia only their second victory of UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 8.

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The Ascoli Calcio 1898 forward struck the decisive blow midway through the second half, heading in a corner to draw the hosts within two points of Hungary in the section. Latvia began positively and their task was made somewhat easier when visiting goalkeeper Adam Bogdan was shown a red card for fouling Kristaps Blanks outside the area after 21 minutes. However Latvia did not immediately take full advantage of the extra man as Blanks, Vadims Žulevs and Artjoms Rudnevs were all guilty of squandering promising chances. But with home goalkeeper Hermanis Malins in place to thwart the rare Hungarian attacks, Latvia were rewarded for their persistence when Gauracs headed home on 65 minutes to avenge the 1-0 defeat from the corresponding fixture back in June.