Rangers defender Kaspars Gorkss played as Latvia got off to the perfect start in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Latvian journalist Edmunds Novickis gave his assessment of his national sides` performance, singling out Gorkss for a notable mention.
Latvia were two up inside the first half, with Ģirts Karlsons, the striker who plies his trade in his homeland with Liepājas Metalurgs, latched onto a cross from the left to fire his side ahead.
A familiar face was on hand to double the lead after 22 minutes as former Bristol Rovers midfielder and Latvian captain Vitālijs Astafjevs, latched onto a rebounded free kick to nod home from close range.
Moldova certainly made a game of it when they managed to pull a goal back in the latter stages, forcing former Crystal Palace winger Andrejs Rubins to hack off his own line to secure the three points they required with a tough schedule to come.
Novickis stated,
“It was a great start for Latvia, very well worth three points in Moldova! Although all most important matches (against Greece, Switzerland and Israel) are to be played, even now we are optimistic about our chances to qualify for the World Cup which would huge achievement in Latvian football.”
Kaspars Gorkss lined up in a central defensive berth alongside former Arsenal defender Igors Stepanovs, but it was Gorkss who drew the plaudits out of the two,
“As predicted Latvia played Gorkss and Stepanovs in the centre of defence. Stepanovs made some positional mistakes but no issue for Gorkss who made no mistakes during the game.” Novickis added,
“Once he even lied on ground and in that way blocked dangerous hit of Moldovian player!”
Latvia now face Greece at home on Wednesday and look set to name the same central defensive partnership of Gorkss and Stepanovs in what will be the biggest test of their resistance thus far.
The former European Champions boast a plethora of attacking outlets, and Gorkss and co. will need to be alert to keep a clean sheet.
Elsewhere Marc Nygaard managed to pick up a couple of minutes of action in Denmark`s 0-0 draw away to Hungary. The former R`s striker had been tipped to start ahead of Nicklas Bendtner who seemed to be carrying an injury.
Bendtner, however got the nod and Nygaard will be looking to play a more integral role in a their testing upcoming fixture against Portugal.
Damien Delaney was named as an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland overcame Georgia in Germany. Kevin Kilbane, who had picked up an injury to his cheekbone, played the full 90 minutes in the left back slot.
Delaney looks set to miss out in Eire`s next clash away to Montenegro, who themselves picked up a useful opening day draw against Bulgaria.
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