Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

[cubsfan203]

Need a video game fix, and this is the best option since my 360 is still dead. Like most of the others, this won't be too in depth but I will try to make it look nice. I did a random seeded draw for the qualifying groups, and below is who I drew. I will be playing on the most difficult level, so don't be surprised if I don't advance.

Group 8
England (5)
Slovenia (60)
Scotland (48)
Latvia (80)
Cyprus (88)
San Marino (127)



Starting 11

Kolinko
Visnakovs	Isakovs	Stepanovs	Zemlinskis
Bleidelis	Astafjevs	Laizans	Rubins
Rimkus		Verpakovskis

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Latvia Manages Easy Victory at Home against Scotland

	3 - 0
Latvia		Scotland

Scoring Summary
38' - Verpakovskis -
51' - Astafjevs -
69' - Rimkus -

The Scottish defense was extremely sluggish in today's match against Latvia. Multiple times they allowed a through ball to get behind them and give Latvia a great scoring opportunity. If it weren't for their goalkeeper making several good saves this game could have easily gotten way out of hand.

Scotland had a few fantastic scoring chances early that they couldn't take advantage of, and were held scoreless despite dominating the possession of the ball. There is still a long way to go, so hopefully they can pull it together by the time they play their next game.

Other Results
2 - 0
0 - 0

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Team Escapes With Draw Despite Being Man Down

	1 - 1
Cyprus		Latvia

Scoring Summary
29' - Konstantinou (PK) -
49' - Verpakovskis -

Card Summary
24' - - Isakovs
28' - - Stepanovs
76' - - Rubins

All of Latvia is livid after questionable calls cost them the game this afternoon. It started with a questionable yellow card given to Isakovs, who slid in but managed to get the ball as well. That card set up the play that would lead to a straight red card on a very similar play to the last one, in which Stepanovs got the player but also a lot of the ball. The Latvian players were livid, and the call led to a penalty kick goal by Konstantinou.

Despite being a man down, Latvia continued to attack. They finally broke through with the equalizer soon after the 2nd half had started. Their strikers continued to get shots off, but luck just wouldn't go their way. Cyprus appeared to play for the draw, despite having the extra man. They remain in 3rd place in the group, while Latvia remains tied for first with England.

Other Results
0 - 0

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Rimkus, Latvia Take Care of San Marino

	1 - 4
San Marino		Latvia

Scoring Summary
11' - Marani -
26' - Verpakovskis -
30' - Visnakovs -
31' - Rimkus -
55' - Rimkus -

Card Summary
20' - - Isakovs
29' - - Della Valle
37' - - Rubins

Despite being a road game, this is one that Latvia came into feeling that they could win. San Marino is ranked near the very bottom of the national team rakings. Latvia wanted to come in and get a victory so they can make sure and keep up with England, especially with games against Slovenia and England are coming up next.

Latvia poured it on, scoring three goals in a five minute span. They continue to struggle early on in games, giving away to many good scoring chances to the opposition.

Both Isakovs and Rubins will miss the next match against England due to accumulating their 2nd yellow card.

Other Results
1 - 0
1 - 2

[rhysyboy]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

fantastic! This looks really good!

My World Cup 2006 dynasty contains me as Latvia too!
1 bit of advice that works for me with Latvia: play Route 1 football (hoof it up to the strikers), it's really effective

good luck!

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Rooney's Late Goal Pushes England Past Latvia

	2 - 3
Latvia		England

Scoring Summary
13' - Owen -
23' - Verpakovskis -
33' - Owen -
61' - Verpakovskis -
79' - Rooney -

Card Summary
39' - - Terry

If Latvia had won this game, they would have shocked the world. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. Despite England having far more talent, the Latvian team fought desperately blow for blow with them until the final minute. That didn't result in a win, but it didn't result in a horrible defeat either.

Latvia had several fantastic chances late in the game, but they just wouldn't go in the net. They were actually very lucky to get their second goal, which was thanks to a mistake by the British goalkeeper.

With the loss, England is now in first place by themselves with 10 points after 4 games. Latvia currently is in 2nd with 7 points. They have a friendly against Ivory Coast before they head to Slovenia to complete the first half of the group play.

Other Results
1 - 2
1 - 0

[ConnorPithie]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Scotland lost to San Marino!

[rhysyboy]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

AT HOME!!!

[ConnorPithie]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Let me guess your an England fan? Don't even get me started...

[rhysyboy]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

3/4 Welsh, 1/4 English

[hockeyplaya2724]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

This is really good, looks like you'll be advancing just by going off of your record. England is a very tough team to beat so atleast you hung in there and almost won.

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Friendly Ends In a Draw

	2 - 2
Ivory Coast		Latvia

Scoring Summary
49' - Drogba -
57' - Verpakovskis -
69' - Drogba -
71' - Visnakovs -

Card Summary
47' - - Zaboronkovs

Latvia played extremely well in their friendly match against Drogba and the Ivory Coast team. A draw is a promising result going into the final match in the first round of games in group play.

Drogba was a one man wrecking crew, scoring two goals and having 3 more shots where the Latvian keeper only managed to get a hand on the ball to prevent it from going in the net. Latvia had their fair share of chances as well, but couldn't manage to break the tie.

Other Results

[cubsfan203]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Horrible Second Half Leads to Loss

	2 - 1
Slovenia		Latvia

Scoring Summary
31' - Rimkus-
48' - Rodic -
60' - Acimovic -

Card Summary
43' - - Filekovic
47' - - Isakovs
81' - - Ceh

Latvian supporters are shaking their heads after the team's performance against Slovenia. Despite taking a lead into the half, they couldn't keep the ball away from the Slovenian players.

Like in previous games, Latvia had plenty of shooting opportunities, they just wouldn't get in the goal. Slovenia on the other hand had far less chances, but made the most of them and came away with a victory because of it.

Other Results
0 - 2
0 - 0
0 - 0

[ConnorPithie]

Re: Latvia's Run for Germany (Fifa WC 2006)

Unlucky loss but you'll spring back!