Gorkss Performs As Latvia Stumble

Kaspars Gorkss put in a decent performance against former European Champions Greece as Latvia went down at home.

Rangers defender, Gorkss, kept his central defensive berth alongside former Arsenal defender Igors Stepanovs but it was the latter who came in for criticism from Latvian journalist Edmunds Novickis in what he described as a very disappointing display.

"It's hard to write after such match." Novickis said exclusively to Vital QPR

"Latvia were very disappointing, not because we lost two-nil against former European champions, but because of the very poor performance. We created our first chance in 88th minute when almost everything was decided."

"I don't remember when Latvia have played so badly at home. Even against current European champions Spain (0-2) Latvia played nicely and created good chances. But against Greece it was just hopeless."

Greece took the lead courtesy of striker Theofanis Gekas who lost his marker, Stepanovs on the far post before sliding home on 10 minutes. Gekas doubled his tally on 49 minutes when an excellent cross found him unmarked to nod home, despite the attention of Kaspars Gorkss.

Gorkss who may have been at fault for Greece`s second of the day drew the plaudits from Novickis who believed him to be one of the best players in a Latvian shirt on the day,

"Still Gorkss was second best player in our side." Novickis continued,

" His performance was assured and very confident. Sometimes he failed to start our attacks, with long balls, but at the same time some passes were OK and the most important thing that he played well defensively."

"Taking into account that Greece put great pressure on our defence, Stepanovs made many more mistakes - not only when we conceded goals but many times more."

"Gorkss is our best defender" continued Novickis,

"Yesterday he almost scored in 90+2 minute following a free kick - Kaspars was a little short of the ball on far post."

In one of the easier groups in the World Cup Qualifiers, Latvia along with Moldova and Greece must now face Israel, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Luxembourg threw the group wide open by beating Switzerland away from home last night, and so Latvia will feel at this early stage the group is very much still up for grabs.

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