Baird's own-goal agony

Baird's 56th-minute error — one of a host made by a reorganised Irish back four — gifted victory to a side who had lost their seven previous games and leaves Northern Ireland with a daunting task if they are to claim a top-two finish in Group F.

Rooted at the foot of Group F after a disastrous campaign, Latvia had only pride to play for while the stakes for Northern Ireland were high after their remarkable run during the opening seven games of the campaign.

But while the Irish have made a recent habit of springing upsets against the likes of England, Spain and Sweden, their performances against lesser sides have been less impressive.

Nigel Worthington's side may have dominated first-half possession, but only Keith Gillespie and, predictably, David Healy found a way through a dogged Latvian defence but both men fired their efforts far too close to goalkeeper Andris Vanins to pose a genuine threat.

Latvia twice came close to claiming the lead midway through the first period. Centre back Michael Duff was forced to clear at full stretch to prevent Juris Laizans' cross reaching Girts Karlsons' head before Maris Verpakovskis wasted a good opening by shooting powerfully into the side-netting.

Healy gave another sign of his quality two minutes before the break but his smart half-volley flew wide after the Fulham man had latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area. The pattern continued after the break with Northern Ireland dominating possession but looking increasingly vulnerable to Latvia's pace on the break.

The visitors were caught cold when Latvia sprang into life after defending an Irish corner with Imants Bleidelis out-pacing George McCartney before delivering a telling low cross in front of Maik Taylor.

Mindful of the lurking Verpakovskis, Baird was forced to intervene but the defender managed only to turn the ball into his own net.