Verpakovskis's goal fuelled Latvian dreams (©Getty Images)

Thursday, 17 June 2004
Portugal Diary: Hopes rise and fall

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by James Haddock

I am now a week into my time at UEFA EURO 2004™ and it is really starting to heat up – that is the weather, not just the competition. Having watched the France victory against England on Sunday it was clear to see the expectations both sides and their respective fans had, not only of that particular game, but also the whole tournament.

Hope surges
Yesterday, though, was a refreshing change from all that and an illustration to me of what change a glimmer of hope makes to football fans and their outlook. Latvia arrived in Portugal for their first ever UEFA European Championship where the team were looking to cause an upset in Group D.

Future ambition
The fans' perspective, though, was one of joy just to be in Portugal and to be participating in the tournament at all. Talking to some of them outside the newly built Estádio Municipal de Aveiro they were all full of smiles, all proudly donning their white or mauve Latvian shirts and all had the same thing to say. Their view was that maybe they can be ready for a half-decent go at a couple of teams at the FIFA World Cup in two years' time, but that for now the trip to Aveiro, Porto and Braga was all they could ask for and they would simply make the most of their time here.

Colourful stadium
Inside the stadium, which reminded us of a toy brick construction with its array of colour everywhere, the two nations formed something of a battling orchestra. The Czech supporters brought their own percussion department with a series of huge drums banging out the beat to their songs from the stands.

Horns aplenty
Meanwhile, from the other end of the pitch came the brass sections' reply. Dozens of Latvian fans had come to the match equipped with horns – and not the sort you wear on your head. This made for an interesting afternoon and sometimes even a tuneful one! Latvia were having fun and no one was going to begrudge them that.

Turning point
Their jovial mood turned to unconfined joy, though, when their side took the lead seconds before half-time. This was the turning point of their whole afternoon, however. Having spent the day with no expectations, not least from facing three strong teams in their group, they now spent more than a mere moment dreaming that maybe, just maybe they could pull off a shock victory.

Hopes rise and fall
The smile on their faces became even broader, their chants and horn-blowing became even louder. The longer their lead lasted, the more their expectation grew. It was not to be though and, as expected, the Czech fans were left celebrating victory. Latvia departed defeated and somewhat dismayed – just an hour and a half after their feelings of delight to be there at all.

Lasting memories
Still, it was nice to see that they had not forgotten those feelings as they walked back to the coaches and cars still with big smiles on their faces, taking photos for a lasting memory of their first ever game at the European Championship. It was one they will never forget and neither will I.