Thursday Sep 29 2005 11:27
Latvia forward Marian Pahars has led the chorus of disapproval over his side's failure to be awarded a penalty in the goalless draw against Germany.
Pahars was aggrieved that English referee Mike Riley chose not to award a spot-kick for two fouls on Maris Verpakovskis during the game in the Estadio do Bessa.
Southampton striker Pahars said: "I think one was a clear penalty but I think because I play in England I was not surprised. They never give penalties like that in England.
"Germany are a big side and maybe the referee was a little afraid, he could have done something incredible."
Of his side's final Group D game against Holland, which could see the Baltic state clinch a shock place in the quarter-finals, Pahars added: "It will be an interesting game. Now everything is going to start again for us.
"But we are not going to change our game plan, we will defend and try and hit them on the counter-attack.
"This is like a dream for us."
Of his own chances of starting the game, the 27-year-old concluded: "I am ready to play 90 minutes, I was today and I was against the Czechs.
"But obviously the coach decided otherwise and I have to respect his decision."
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