Latvia's 2003 vintage recall Turkey triumph

"The atmosphere was unforgettable," defender Igors Korabļovs told UEFA.com, still enjoying the memory of Latvia's 1-0 UEFA EURO 2004 play-off win against Turkey. "With a full stadium, we felt ten feet tall."

With Turkey returning to Riga in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group A tonight, memories have been revived of that extraordinary two-legged tie – where a 1-0 home win and a 2-2 draw in the return fixture took Aleksandrs Starkovs' side to their first major finals tournament. Midfielder Imants Bleidelis told UEFA.com: "The main thing I remember is the full stands. I doubt we'll see a 10,000 crowd this time, but there will be plenty of fans. Latvia won't beat Turkey without their support."

Korabļovs added: "The Turkish players underestimated us a bit, while we had nothing to lose and were not afraid of very strong opponents."

Māris Verpakovskis nudged the winning goal past Rüstü Reçber 12 minutes into that play-off game on 15 November 2003, and – with Fatih Terim's side having lost their opening two Group A games – he feels the current Latvia side, led by his former team-mate Marians Pahars, could defy Turkey again. "Turkey will come to Riga as a wounded animal," he told UEFA.com. "They have their backs against the wall and will do everything to put things right, but our guys are strong enough to put Saturday's loss to Iceland behind them. They just need to believe in themselves and be ready mentally. Mentality is the key. That was the case in 2003. Nobody believed in us but we caused a sensation."

Valerijs Šabala is the main man up front for Latvia now, and Verpakovskis had a few tips for the Club Brugge KV forward. "Turkey are very ambitious and aggressive up front," he said. "Valera should display the same qualities. You must not be afraid of your opponents."

Latvia and coach Aleksandrs Starkovs celebrate©Getty Images

Starkovs' Latvia certainly played by that principle back in 2003. "No one wanted Turkey in the draw but we didn't care who we got," the 39-year-old Korabļovs added. "We were up for it, and the current Latvia players have to be as well. Why should they be afraid of them? After two consecutive defeats in this group, it's Turkey who should be nervous."

Goalkeeper Aleksandrs Koļinko is the only member of that 2003 side still in the Latvia lineup, with the 39-year-old's presence both reassuring and disturbing for Bleidelis. "Kolina could be playing until he's 45 – Sasha is a professional to the bone," Bleidelis said. "He is strong physically, but it's also a sad sign that he's still irreplaceable. No top-class keepers have emerged in Latvia apart from him and Andris Vaņins [now 34]. There's no competition."

However, making the best of the talent available was the key to Starkovs' side reaching UEFA EURO 2004, and Bleidelis is hoping Pahars – one of Latvia's star players in 2003, who missed the play-off first leg through injury – can help work more wonders. "Starkovs was young and inexperienced once too," he said. "Pahars has talent. He's just what this team needs. His passion and energy can inspire the players."

As for advice for the current generation of players as they face Turkey, Bleidelis said: "It's plain and simple: work hard and listen to what your coach says."