MATCH 07 PREVIEW : LATVIA OUT TO CHECK CZECHS

Two teams with contrasting ambitions at UEFA EURO 2004™ open the Group D proceedings in Aveiro on Tuesday. The Czech Republic have come to Portugal as a much-fancied outside tip to go all the way in the competition - while Latvia are viewed as the tournament minnows following their remarkable play-off qualification last autumn.

Latvian resilience
The Czechs are justifiably favourites to take the points - but it would be folly to disregard a Latvian side that was resilient and resourceful enough to grab a surprise and precious away win against fellow Portugal travellers Sweden to finish second in their qualifying group, followed up by an even more sensational result in the play-off against 2002 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists Turkey. After a gutsy 1-0 win in Riga, a marvellous comeback from a 2-0 deficit earned a 2-2 draw in Istanbul and an unlikely place in the EURO field this summer.

Czech pedigree
The latest team in the Latvians' sights are the Czechs, who are looking to summon the spirit of EURO '96™ when their polished, intelligent football took them to the final in England and the eventual heartbreak of a golden-goal defeat by Germany in the final. Many pundits are deeply impressed with the current squad's pedigree - a good few see the Czech adventure culminating in a place in the final at least.

Fast-track to finals
The Czech Republic stormed through their qualifying group, seven wins and a draw in eight matches and a 23-5 goal balance proving too much for the rest of a section which included the Netherlands. The remaining survivors of the 1996 vintage have been joined by a new generation that contains a wealth of tried-and-trusted talents on the European club scene, as well as newcomers from the European Under-21 title-winning outfit two years ago.

Czech Republic (possible): Cech; Jankulovski, Ujfaluši, Bolf, Grygera; Nedved, Rosický, Galásek, Poborský; Koller, Baroš.

Latvia (possible): Kolinko; Zirnis, Stepanovs, Zemlinskis, Blagonadezdins; Bleidelis, Astafjevs; Rubins, Laizans; Verpakovskis, Prohorenkovs.

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