Thursday Sep 29 2005 07:28
Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs was a proud man, despite seeing his side's Euro 2004 campaign end with a 3-0 defeat by Holland in Braga.
Starkovs' outfit had gone into the game with a chance of making the quarter-finals, but were swept aside by a Dutch side who made it through to the last eight as a result.
However, Starkovs said after the game: "I want to congratulate the Netherlands, they proved they are one of the best teams in the tournament.
"It was very difficult for us, we showed potential and put in a great effort. The result was not good but we showed off our country in a good way.
"I hope we will be back and do better next time. For us it was just historic to be here and to have played in this tournament.
"The game against Holland was a question of experience, not so much of belief.
"I believe we have done as well as we could have in this tournament and we have done something important for our reputation."
Latvia lost narrowly to the Czech Republic in their first-ever game at a major finals tournament, before enjoying the better of a goalless draw with Germany.
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