The disbelief of Latvia's late first half equaliser is etched on the faces of the Republic of Ireland players and fans alike

Image source, Inpho

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI

Well, who saw that coming?

It was all going to plan when Callum O'Dowda and Evan Ferguson gave the hosts a two-goal lead.

Then, out of the blue, the home crowd were stunned thanks to one screamer and one slightly more fortune strike.

As friendlies go, this has been a good one.

The two sides go in level at the break, but the Republic of Ireland will be kicking themselves as to how they let a two goal lead slip after such a bright start.

O'Dowda nodded them in front on six minutes before Ferguson added a second on 17 minutes as Stephen Kenny's side threatened to run away with the game.

Yet, a wonder strike from Uldrikis got Latvia into the game and some poor defending in the last minute of the half allowed Zjuzins to equalise as all the early optimism faded.

The Republic of Ireland fans will be hoping for a similar start to the second period as they had to the first to attempt to regain the lead.

Wow, Latvia are level.

The Republic fail to clear a deep free-kick into the box and the ball breaks to Zijuzins on the edge of the area, whose strike deflects off Collins, wrong footing Kelleher who is unable to keep it out.

All the Republic's early optimism has been undone late in the half.

Image source, Inpho

Evan Ferguson has arrived.

At 18 years and 154 days he becomes the youngest Republic of Ireland scorer since Robbie Keane in 1998 against Malta.

Image source, Inpho

The Republic of Ireland continue to pile forward, as Browne strides into the area before picking out Obafemi, whose low shot from a narrow angle is blocked behind for a corner.

A good response to conceding.

What a goal!

Uldrikis reduces the deficit with an unstoppable strike from 30-yards out which flew past Kelleher and into the top corner.

The crowd at the Aviva are stunned as the goal came from virtually nothing.

Now it is over to the Republic of Ireland to respond and continue to build on their bright start.

Image source, Getty Images

Smallbone is the latest to try his luck from range, bending an effort off target after O'Shea had laid the ball off to him.

The young mascots were feeling the cold before kick-off at the Aviva, but hopefully the Republic's positive performance so far has helped warm them up a bit.

Image source, Getty Images

On this evidence you would not believe that Matt Doherty has played only 12 minutes so far this calendar year.

The captain again links up well with Smallbone before picking out O'Dowda in the area.

His first time strike is shoveled behind by the goalkeeper.

You sense the Republic are in the mood for a few more goals this evening.

Two opportunities in quick succession at the other end come for the Republic of Ireland, who are roaming forward at every opportunity.

First Browne fires straight at the goalkeeper when he should be finding the bottom corner from close range.

Then, the dangerous Ferguson jinks his way past his marker and sees his shot deflected into the side netting when it looked to be sneaking in.

An exciting contest (if you can call it that) so far.

Another chance for Latvia swiftly follows as Uldrikis hooks over the crossbar after latching on to Savalnieks' whipped cross from the right.

Gutkovskis misses a huge chance to pull a goal back for Latvia.

He races onto a through ball over the top which caught out Collins and Omobamidele, but he horribly slices his effort high and wide.

A warning sign for a confident looking Republic side.

Evan Ferguson fires over the crossbar from outside the area, an unusual sight given everything he has touched recently has turned to goals.

He seems to be the deeper of the two forwards, dropping to link play whilst Michael Obafemi stays higher up the pitch.

The Republic of Ireland have started brightly here, particularly with combinations down the right hand side between Matt Doherty and debutant Will Smallbone.

They both played a part in the goal, and their link-up play has proved fruitful so far.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

The delivery from Smallbone was into a good area and the movement from O'Dowda was excellent and he was able to finish it off.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

You just have to be patient in possession. Latvia will press Ireland high up the pitch and you have to try and retain the ball as much as possible.

The anthems are over and Latvia get the action underway to a boisterous roar from the Aviva crowd.