Germany's chances of a Euro 2004 quarter-final spot were hit hard as they were held to a dismal 0-0 draw by debutants Latvia

Latvia, who had come close to victory in their opening 2-1 defeat by the Czech Republic, put up another competitive display to earn their first point in a major tournament. Germany, who will face elimination if they cannot beat the Czechs in their last Group D game, failed to repeat their convincing performance in their opening 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. The 2002 World Cup finalists, who had hinted against the Dutch that they could once against upset the odds after poor preparations for the tournament, are at risk of another early exit after failing to survive the group stage at Euro 2000. The Baltic debutants looked well organised and resisted Germany in a tight, tactical first-half of few highlights. The second-half was more one-sided, Germany stepping up a gear but looking clumsy in front of goal and failing to breach a determined Latvian defence.