Latvia lose out to Ireland

Latvia lost out to Northern Ireland in the latest qualifying game for Euro 2008. The Baltic Nation had high hopes of causing an upset against their Irish hosts, but a poachers goal from David Healy - the 24th of his international career - saw the Latvians fall behind in the first half.

The one goal deficit proved too much for Latvia to pull back, although Girts Karlsons forced Maik Taylor to save with his head in the 72 minute.

The result leaves Latvia on a mere 3 points, 9 behind group leaders Sweden, although they have a game in hand on the Scandinavians. If they can see off minnows Lichenstein in March 2007, a big result against Denmark in June could lift them to second in the table, depending on results elsewhere.