Prohorenkovs pounces to lift Latvia
Wednesday, 8 September 2004
[1] Latvia came from behind to win a dramatic FIFA World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel stadium with substitute Andrejs Prohorenkovs scoring the winning goal in the 67th minute.
Opening defeat
[2] Having lost 2-0 at home against Portugal on Saturday, it was imperative the UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists recorded a victory away to the Group 3 outsiders in order to revive their hopes of reaching the 2006 finals in Germany.
Early lead
[3] All seemed to be going according to plan for the visitors as they took the lead in the fourth minute, striker Maris Verpakovskis giving Aleksandrs Starkovs' side an early advantage. Although Gordon Braun brought the home side level six minutes later, Mihails Zemlinskis restored Latvia's lead from the penalty spot five minutes before half-time.
Quick turnaround
[4] Just as Latvia began to take control, however, the home side struck back with two goals early in the second half. Midfield player Alphonse Leweck levelled for a second time ten minutes after the restart, rounding off a swift counterattack, and Manuel Cardoni sent the home crowd into raptures with a fine free-kick two minutes past the hour mark.
Prohorenkovs decisive
[5] The lead was to last only three minutes, however, as Luxembourg defender Eric Hoffmann put through his own goal in trying to clear a cross and the topsy-turvy encounter was finally decided two minutes later, Prohorenkovs pouncing after the home defence failed to clear a free-kick and shooting beyond Alija Besic.
Desperate defending
[6] The goal failed to end the home side's challenge and Latvia were forced to hang on in the closing stages, some desperate defending earning the visitors five yellow cards in the final 17 minutes. Latvia held on, however, and will be in revitalised mood for the trip to Slovakia on 9 October. Luxembourg are at home to Russia the same day.