Latvia v Czech Republic background

The Czech Republic know a win in Latvia could confirm their place at UEFA EURO 2016, provided the Netherlands do not beat Turkey elsewhere in Group A.

• The following players are a yellow card away from a ban: Borek Dockal, David Limberský (Czech Republic), Kaspars Gorkšs, Valērijs Šabala, Eduards Višņakovs and Artūrs Zjuzins (Latvia).

Previous meetings
• On 28 March Václav Pilař equalised in the last minute in Prague after Aleksejs Višņakovs had put Latvia ahead, the resulting 1-1 draw nonetheless an impressive scoreline for the visitors.

• It was the first time Latvia had avoided defeat in four meetings with the Czech Republic.

• They first faced off at the finals of UEFA EURO 2004, Karel Brückner's Czechs beating Aleksandrs Starkovs's Latvia 2-1 in Aveiro thanks to a late Marek Heinz goal.

• The teams for that game on 15 June 2004 were:
Czech Republic: Čech*, Grygera (Heinz 56), Galásek (Šmicer 64), Bolf, Jankulovski, Poborský, Koller, Rosický*, Nedvěd, Baroš (Jiránek 87), Ujfaluši.
Latvia: Koļinko*, Stepanovs, Astafjevs, Zemļinskis, Blagonadeždins, Isakovs, Bleidelis, Verpakovskis (Pahars 81), Rubins, Prohorenkovs (Laizāns 72), Lobaņovs (Rimkus 90).

• Marians Pahars, a substitute in that match, is now Latvia coach.

*have been selected for UEFA EURO 2016 games

Form guide
• Latvia are still without a win in three Group A home fixtures (D1 L2).

• The Czechs were on a four-match competitive winning streak on the road prior to their 2-1 defeat in Iceland in their most recent Group A away game.

• The Czech Republic have scored at least once in their last 11 competitive away fixtures since a 0-0 draw in Wales in June 2007.

Trivia and links
• Latvia forward Valērijs Šabala has played club football in the Czech Republic with FK Jablonec. He scored his side's late equaliser in Turkey in their last Group A game.