Lithuania down Latvia to claim Baltic derby spoils

Lithuania gained revenge for September's 2-1 reverse in Riga as they defeated their Baltic rivals to secure at least fourth spot in FIFA World Cup Group G.

With qualification out of the question for both teams it was only local pride at stake, but the visitors' chances of completing a swift double over their neighbours took a blow when Fiodor Černych put the hosts ahead seven minutes in. Lithuania had opportunities to extend the lead before Černych set up fellow winger Saulius Mikoliunas for a clinching second after the break.

Igoris Pankratjevas's men made a positive start and Latvia were fortunate as Mindaugas Kalonas shot straight at keeper Andris Vaņins from close range. That relief was not long lasting as Černych rose to meet a Kalonas corner, forcing the ball in with his head for his first international goal.

Ten minutes later the goalscorer set free Deivydas Matulevičius but the forward's effort was sharply saved. Aleksandrs Fertovs and Deniss Rakeļs fired off target for Latvia, who were lucky not to fall further behind when Mindaugas Panka's strike was cleared off the line. The game was made safe in the 68th minute as a swift counter allowed Černych to find the unmarked Mikoliunas and the experienced flanker finished things off.