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Latvia scores a winner (A.F.I. press foto)
Riga - Latvia's slim chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup were ended last night, regardless of their 3-2 victory over Moldova.
Latvia knew going into their final pool game that winning was not going to be enough, knowing they needed a number of other matches to also work in their favour. However, these scenarios did not pan out as Luxembourg failed to upset Greece and Israel held Switzerland to a 0-0 draw.
It was the visitors who struck first with a goal to Gheorghi Ovseannicov in the 25th minute. However his team were to be seriously hindered 6 minutes later when captain Serghei Lascenov sent to the showers for pulling down Maris Verpkovskis.
Latvia were quick to capitalise on the extra man advantage, scoring through Andrejs Rubins from the resulting free kick. Rubins was the man again as half-time approached when he found himself with plenty of space inside the box just before the half to help his team to a 2-1 half-time lead.
The game lost a lot of its rhythm in the second-half but Latvia were still able to add a third courtesy of subsitute Kristaps Grebbis in the 76th minute. The Moldovans were to add one more of their own in the 89th minute through Veaceslav Sofroni but with time nearly up Latvia were able to hold for the victory and claim third in group two.
For a more in depth match report in English please go to
www.balticreports.com
Match protocol - LATVIJA - MOLDOVA 3:2
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21.01.2012 14:40
