Latvia 2-2 Switzerland: Fightbacks Aplenty In Riga Drama

Latvia proved worthy opponents to Switzerland in Riga as they held the visiting favourites to a draw.

Switzerland could all but have secured at least a play-off space with a win, but despite their early lead the Latvians held their own in their quest for second place.

The first half saw chances at a premium, although Latvia had the first true opportunity as veteran Andrejs Rubins set up Maris Verpakovskis for an opportunity that he only just spurned.

Switzerland's first real shot of the game resulted in the opening goal. Tranquillo Barnetta's long ball forward found Benjamin Huggel, who in turn drew home 'keeper Andris Vanins towards him. With the Sion man off his line, Huggel crossed for Alexander Frei to score into an empty net.

Switzerland seemed heartened by their lead and began the second half with confident possession play, but as the hour mark approached it was increasingly incumbent on defenders such as Steven von Bergen to weigh in with last-ditch tackles as concentration waned.

Latvia duly took advantage with the equaliser, Aleksandrs Cauna weighing in with the vital goal. An error from Diego Benaglio saw an innocuous shot trickle through his hands into the net.

Emboldened, the Latvians then took a shock lead. This time Cauna turned provider, and with Grichting and Von Bergen unable to deal with his cross, the unmarked Vitalijs Astafjevs had an easy finish.

But youngster Eren Derdiyok had the final say with an equaliser, netting only his second international goal. The Leverkusen man tapped home a Frei corner to give the Swiss a vital equaliser.

Yet this was a game that the visitors were expected to win. That they did not throws Group 2 into uncertainty, with Greece, Latvia, and Israel all close behind the leaders.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com