National Team Friendly

National stadium
Spectators: 10300 (Terracing: 7725, Seating: 2369, VIP seats: 206) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Kārlis Lee kicked off to start the match. Australia's Bryce Fazey proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 4th minute of the match, managed to save Australia from getting a goal against them. 12 minutes into the match, Australia's goal looked a bit too open when Kārlis Lee came free, but Bryce Fazey reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 13th minute Remy Bundy shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Zigmārs Ruciņš saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Bryce Fazey made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Linards Kaprāns in the 17th minute of play. An unexpectedly hard shot by Remy Bundy in the 20th minute of play forced Latvia's goalkeeper Zigmārs Ruciņš to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After 29 minutes of play, the referee blew the whistle. It was a penalty for Latvia! Latvia:s Zigmārs Ruciņš showed great skill when he stopped Irwin Bunworth:s penalty. After a rather tough play, Latvia's Kārlis Lee got a free kick in the 32nd minute. Latvia were awarded a corner in the 36th minute after Australia's defender lost control of the ball, allowing it to roll out over the line. Kārlis Lee took the corner. A collision led to Australia getting a freekick after 40 minutes play. Donovan Toth hit a great ball. When Australia's Remy Bundy in the 45th minute got a chance for a shot 45th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Latvia's goalie prevented a goal. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Remy Bundy in the 45th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Zigmārs Ruciņš saved Latvia from getting behind. In the 46th minute, Remy Bundy got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. After the first half the score was level. The break gave the players a chance to catch their breath, whilst the managers went over the tactics with them again.

Both teams looked relatively alert before the second half when the referee blew his whistle to tell Remy Bundy to make the kick off. Latvia's Zigmārs Ruciņš played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Remy Bundy in the 53rd minute of play. In the 57th minute Remy Bundy shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Zigmārs Ruciņš saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Bryce Fazey showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Kārlis Lee in the 60th minute of the match. Australia's Ían Kilmister was substituted for Donovan Toth. Australia's Boyde Minne was substituted for Remy Bundy. Australia made a substitution. Arne Nolan replaced Cliff Minter. Bryce Fazey showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Kārlis Lee in the 69th minute of the match. 74 minutes in the game Andra Asaa did a throw-in, and the ball was quickly in game thanks to Juris Bimšteins. The supporters of Latvia booed when Australia was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 77 match minutes in a wonderful position. Shane McGowan didn't get a good kick on the ball. If Boyde Minne had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 82nd minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 85 minutes into the match, Boyde Minne dribbled the ball past the defender and swiftly kicked the ball to the left of Zigmārs Ruciņš, 0-1. After a rather tough play, Latvia's Svens Pengerots got a free kick in the 87th minute. A sloppy throw-in by Andra Asaa in the 90th minute of the game went astray and was snapped up by Australia's Irwin Bunworth. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Boyde Minne in the 93rd minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Zigmārs Ruciņš prevented the ball from getting in the gole. If Linards Kaprāns had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 94th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Boyde Minne received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 96th minute. Zigmārs Ruciņš tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere.