Latvia spring late surprise on Austrians

A goal two minutes from time by Arnands Zeiberlins gave Latvia a surprise 3-2 win over Austria in the European Championship Group Six qualifier in Riga last night.

Latvia had opened up a two-goal lead through Vitas Rimkus in the 13th and 59th minutes, but then invited the Austrians to attack them, which they duly did with goals from Anton Polster and Dieter Ramuch. Then Zeiberlins struck with a superb solo effort.

"This loss makes our life more difficult," Herbert Prohaska, the Austrian coach, said. "The game against Ireland will be very important."

Henning Berg, the Blackburn Rovers full back, came within five minutes of being Norway's match winner in their Group Two match against Czechoslovakia. A goal by Jan Suchoparek denied him the pleasure.

A spectacular, long-range goal from debutant Allan Nielsen, within seconds of coming on as a substitute, lifted Denmark to a 2-0 victory over Armenia and into second place in Group Two, five points behind the runaway leaders Spain. Michael Laudrup had opened the scoring.