Latvia was denied one of the biggest ever European Championship upsets by two late Czech Republic goals on Tuesday as the powerhouse teams continued to have trouble with underdogs at Euro 2004.
In the other Group D game between neighbors and bitter rivals Germany and the Netherlands, Dutch star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy equalized nine minutes from the end for a 1-1 tie, leaving the Czechs at the top.
PHOTO: EPA
Playing in their first major championship, the Latvians, 500-1 outsiders to win the title, stunned the Czechs in Guimaraes by taking the lead a minute before half time through Maris Verpakovskis.
They held that lead until 17 minutes from the end, by then the Czechs on all out attack with four forwards and just three defenders. But Liverpool striker Milan Baros leveled and then substitute Marek Heinz broke Latvian hearts with the winner five minutes from the end.
After host Portugal had been beaten by upstart Greece in the opening game and Denmark had held star-studded Italy to a scoreless draw it was another example of how the underdogs are refusing to let the fancied teams take control.
"This match showed we can compete with top sides," said Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs. "I'm sure we'll prove that again in four days' time against the Germans."
The result gave the relieved Czechs, considered dark horses for the title, three expected points, two more than its two big Group D rivals, the Germans and the Dutch.
Torsten Frings put the Germans ahead after 30 minutes with a freak goal in Porto, his angled free kick missing everyone in the area and going in off the far post.
Germany stayed in control until the Dutch, who had struggled throughout the game, finished strongly. Andy van der Meyde crossed from the right and Van Nistelrooy, with his back to goal, turned the ball past Oliver Kahn to spoil the German 'keeper's 35th birthday.
"We really deserved that goal," the Manchester United striker said. "We know when we play Germany it's going to be tough. They're very compact and you're not going to create a lot of chances. We kept fighting and the support got us through."
Off the field, Russian midfielder Alexander Mostovoi was kicked out of Euro 2004 on Tuesday for criticizing his coach while England's Nicky Butt was ruled out injured and Danish winger Jesper Groenkjaer flew in after the death of his mother.
There also was the first major fan violence with England followers clashing with police in two bars in Albufeira, a coastal vacation resort about 200km south of Lisbon. One officer was injured and police detained 12 England fans, a Portuguese and a Russian.
Former Celta Vigo midfielder Mostovoi, Russia's best known and most experienced player, blamed coach Georgy Yartsev for sending the team out against Spain "totally shattered" after intensive training. The Russian federation responded by sending him home.
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