The (''Izlase'' in
Latvian ) is controlled by the
Latvian Football Federation , the governing body for football in
Latvia , and represents the country in international
Football competitions, such as
World Cup and the
European Championships .
Latvia played its first match in
1922 , a game against
Estonia ; the result was a 1-1 draw. Latvia are by far the most successful of the
Baltic States , as well as being only team qualified to final stage of European Championship, they won the
Baltic Cup 19 times.
In
1940 , Latvia was annexed by the
Soviet Union ; the country regained its independence in
1991 and played their first match as a new nation against
Estonia on
November 16th of that year in the Baltic Cup, and their first
FIFA -recognized match against
Malta on
May 26th ,
1992 , a 0-1 loss at
Ta'Qali .
Latvia was a surprise qualifier for the
2004 European Football Championship , after defeating
Turkey in a playoff to reach the final tournament. In Euro 2004, Latvia was drawn into group D with
Germany ,
Czech Republic , and the
Netherlands . On June 15, 2004, Latvia played Czech Republic and managed to take a late first half lead with a goal from Maris Verpakovskis. The Czechs would later come back to win the game 2-1. Four days later Latvia earned a respectable draw 0-0 against Germany to earn their first point in a major tournament. Latvia later lost to the Netherlands 3-0, and was eliminated with one point from their draw and two losses.
In the qualifying for World Cup 2006, Latvia was in group 3 with Portugal, Slovakia, Russia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. Latvia was considered as a small threat for the playoff spot. However, Latvia failed to show any surprises as they did in Euro 2004 and failed to qualify for World Cup 2006 finishing fifth with 15 points from four wins, three draws and five losses.
Vitālijs Astafjevs has played for Latvia more times than anyone else, with 112 caps currently.
Eriks Pētersons is the nation's top goal scorer with 24, while modern-day star
Māris Verpakovskis is second with 18.
- 1960 to 1992 - ''Did not enter, was part of USSR ''
- 1996 - ''Did not qualify''
- 2000 - ''Did not qualify''
- 2004 - Round 1
Before 1940:
After 1991:
See
The EURO 2004 Squad .
