Latvia at the UEFA European Championship

Latvia qualified once for a UEFA European Championship, the 2004 edition. After finishing second in their qualifying group, they won the two-legged play-offs against Turkey (3–2 on aggregate) to secure their first appearance at the end stage of a major tournament.[1][2] In doing so, Latvia became the first and (as of 2019) still the only Baltic team to qualify for a European Championship.[1][2]

At the Euro 2004, Latvia were drawn in Group D, alongside Germany, Czech Republic, and Netherlands.[3] Latvia faced Czech Republic in their opening match on 15 June 2004, with Māris Verpakovskis scoring before half-time.[4] However, the Czechs would later come back to win the game 2–1.[4] Four days later, Latvia earned a respectable 0–0 draw against World Cup vice-champions Germany to earn their first point in a major tournament.[5] They lost their final match with 3–0 against Netherlands,[6] and were eliminated, finished fourth, with one point from their draw and two losses.[7]

Euro 2004

Group stage
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Czech Republic 3 3 0 0 7 4 +3 9 Advance to knockout stage
2  Netherlands 3 1 1 1 6 4 +2 4
3  Germany 3 0 2 1 2 3 −1 2
4  Latvia 3 0 1 2 1 5 −4 1
Source: UEFA
Rules for classification: Group stage tiebreakers
Czech Republic 2–1 Latvia
Baroš  73'
Heinz  85'		 Report Verpakovskis  45+1'
Attendance: 21,744
Latvia 0–0 Germany
Report
Attendance: 22,344
Referee: Mike Riley (England)
Netherlands 3–0 Latvia
Van Nistelrooy  27' (pen.), 35'
Makaay  84'		 Report
Attendance: 27,904

Overview
Latvian fans at Euro 2004
UEFA European Championship record
Year Round Position GP W D* L GS GA
1960 to 1992 Part of  Soviet Union
1996 to 2000 Did not qualify
2004 Group stage 14th 3 0 1 2 1 5
2008 to 2020 Did not qualify
Total Group stage 1/16 3 0 1 2 1 5

References
  1. "Joyful Latvia make history". Unions of European Football Associations. 20 November 2003. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  2. "Latvia claim historic win". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 19 November 2003. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  3. "Euro 2004 draw". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  4. "Czech Rep 2–1 Latvia". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 June 2004. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  5. "Latvia 0–0 Germany". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 19 June 2004. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  6. "Holland 3–0 Latvia". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 23 June 2004. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  7. "Group D". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 28 May 2004. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
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