RIGA — In their first ever UEFA Europa league match, Ventspils managed a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Dutch cup winners Heerenveen in Europa Group D.

Though the Dutch dominated possession and chances , they were unable to beat home keeper Aleksandrs Kolinko and his stonewall defense.

Michal Svec tested the Latvian’s keeper Kolinko’s early on with a stinging shot while defender Pavels Mihadjuks failed to make chances pay getting no purchase on Aleksandrs Solovjovs’ corner at the other end.

Lively attacking play continued, but none could put one away.

Ventspils left the match undoubtedly happy with the result, but Heerenveen will be kicking themselves that they couldn’t beat the Baltic minnows.