Holders edge close contest

Latvia 2-1 Lithuania
Latvia moved a step towards retaining the Baltic Cup by defeating Lithuania thanks to goals from Jurijs Laizans and Andrejs Rubinš.

Strong side
The Lithuanians had started the 19th staging of the competition with a 5-1 victory against hosts Estonia last night. However, despite dominating much of the play in today's contest, they were up against a strong Latvian side.

Offside decision
A sign it was not going to go Lithuania's way came in the 17th minute. Vitas Alunderis hit the post from a corner and Ricardas Beniušis reacted quickest to tap the ball into the net. However, he was adjudged to be in an offside position.

Quick goals
Latvia did not have to wait too long, however. In the 28th minute, Laizans' 25-metre free-kick surprised Lithuanian goalkeeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas. Then, a few minutes later, Andrejs Štolcers broke down the right flank and played the ball across to Rubinš, who made it 2-0.

Consolation strike
Latvia defended deep in the second half and managed to keep the Lithuanians at bay until the 74th minute when Igoris Morinas hit his side's consolation.