Liechtenstein savour rare success

Liechtenstein claimed only their second win in UEFA European Championship football with a 1-0 victory against Latvia in qualifying Group F. The hosts took the lead with a strike from their record scorer, Mario Frick, early in the first half and although Latvia had chances to level, they could not find a way past Peter Jehle in the home goal.

Furious start
If the night ultimately belong to Liechtenstein, it was the visitors who made the brighter start, creating two good opportunities within five minutes of kick-off. First Aleksejs Višnakovs fired wide from 18 metres, then Igors Stepanovs volleyed Jurijs Laizans' free-kick past the right-hand post from close range. At the other end, Franz Burgmeier found himself through on goal but saw his effort held by Aleksandrs Kolinko.

Latvia misses
Latvia continued to squander openings, with Marians Pahars failing to find the target from close in, and Laizans testing Jehle from distance. Jurijs Andrejevs's team would rue their profligacy when Liechtenstein went in front on 17 minutes. Martin Büchel picked up possession on the left before finding Frick who struck from inside the area for Hans-Peter Zaugg's men. Again Latvia went on the attack and Laizans' effort from the edge of the box was held by Jehle. Oskars Klava was also profligate in nodding a corner wide with the goal gaping, although visiting keeper Kolinko had to be alert to attempts from Burgmeier and Büchel before keeping out a Thomas Beck free-kick.

Late pressure
After the break, Laizans mistimed his shot when breaking into the area, and Jehle proved the equal of a long-range drive from Pahars. For Liechtenstein, AC Siena forward Frick blazed wide, then saw a header saved by Kolinko. By now Liechtenstein were sensing their first win of the campaign although Latvia pressed hard in the last closing stages with Višnakovs and Deniss Kacanovs both having glimpses of goal. The pressure was to no avail, though, as Liechtenstein held on for a rare success.