SAINTS striker Marian Pahars was remaining philosophical after Latvia conceded two late goals to lose to the Czech Republic.

Pahars, who came on for the last nine minutes, admitted: "It's very difficult playing at this level. I hope we can play like this in the remaining games."

Asked how he felt to have lost after the Latvians had defended the lead for 28 minutes, the St Mary's star said: "That's football. Look what happened to England - and they were playing so well.

"Let's hope there are (still) some good things in store for us."

The Czechs dominated territorially but failed to break the deadlock and then they were rocked on their heels when Latvia took the lead in first-half injury time through Maris Verpakovskis at Aveiro's colourful Estadio Municipal.

For much of the second half they laboured without reward but they finally got back on terms through man-of-the-match Milan Baros after 73 minutes. Baros was then instrumental in setting up the winner for substitute Marek Heinz to ensure the Czechs took three points against the team rated the weakest in the tournament.

Czech Pavel Nedved, the European footballer of the year, said: "It was very frustrating for us to concede a goal when we got caught out on the left.

"We knew at half-time we had to score two goals but we had to work very hard and we are very pleased to have achieved that."

Coach Karel Bruckner confessed: "I did not enjoy this feeling. Let's just say I was coaching more than I usually have to coach."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech, who will move from Rennes to Chelsea next month, added: "We did well to get back because they defended as one big block.

"It was very important for us that we should not go home without winning this match."