MATCH 15 REVIEW : LATVIA HAIL 'HISTORIC' RESULT

Germany disappointed
Rudi Völler's side hammered away ceaselessly at the sturdy Latvian rearguard for virtually the whole of the second 45 minutes. But for all of their huffing and puffing, they were unable to convert the opportunities that came their way. In a tough group to call, this disappointing result for them could ultimately leave the Germans facing an early trip home.

Interestingly poised
Goalless draws do not have to be dull, lifeless affairs. This game was interestingly poised throughout, with Latvia adopting the same tactics that thwarted the Czechs for so long. They relied on the strength of the redoubtable Igors Stepanovs and Mihails Zemlinskis to keep their defensive shape, and strikers Maris Verpakovskis and Andrejs Prohorenkovs to produce swift, dangerous counters.

Clearest chance
Indeed, Verpakovskis will be kicking himself, for it was he who missed the clearest chance of the game just before the interval. Germany were caught square as he burst clear - a goal looked certain, but German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was his team's saviour when he smothered Verpakovskis's shot.

Ballack award
Germany worked tirelessly in their efforts to find a breakthrough. Striker Kevin Kuranyi looks a promising prospect and was the pick of their attack, while Michael Ballack earned himself the Carlsberg Man of the Match award for an industrious display as he strained every sinew to find the final, telling pass that could have broken the Latvians' resistance.

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