Germany learn from Latvia
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Article summary
Germany 1-2 Latvia Goals from Imants Bleidelis and Maris Verpakovskis handed Latvia's senior team victory against Germany's Under-21s.
Article body
Bleidelis on target
Grazer AK midfielder Bleidelis gave the visitors the lead from close range at the end of the first half, and the prolific Verpakovskis increased Latvia's advantage on 69 minutes. Although Nando Rafael pulled one back with his sixth goal in eight appearances in added time, it was not enough to spare Germany coach Dieter Eilts a first defeat in his 15th match in charge.
Chances missed
In their first outing since the draw for this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Germany had two decent opportunities to equalise before the hour, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach duo Eugen Polanski and Rafael failing to take advantage. Striker Patrick Helmes of 1. FC Köln was also guilty of profligacy, but the visitors could have made it three when they hit the bar ten minutes from time before Rafael's late strike. Eilts said of the experience: "The players learned a lot tonight. You have to concentrate for the whole match at this level and you can't afford any mistakes. This match will help them develop."