Soccer: Armenia may yet spring a surprise

Belfast Telegraph, United Kingdom
July 23 2005

Armenia may yet spring a surprise

By Graham Luney
[email protected]

23 July 2005
UEFA U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP B of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship is finely balanced
ahead of tonight’s decisive games.

France, Norway, England and Armenia all believe they can reach the
semis.

Armenia take on France at Mourneview Park while England face Norway
at the Newry Showgrounds (both 7pm).

A place in the final for Armenia would be a remarkable story.

Although Samuel Petrosyan’s team are bottom of the group, victory
over France together with a positive result in the other match will
send them through.

France are sitting pretty at the top following their 3-1 win against
Norway at Windsor Park on Wednesday.

However, Tor Ole Skullerund’s side are breathing down their necks,
only a point behind.

Both France and Norway just need a point to keep their championship
hopes alive.

England were disappointed after being held 1-1 by Armenia and now
they must conquer Norway to stay in the tournament.

Coach Martin Hunter said: “We know we must beat Norway to qualify for
the semi-finals. It’s in our own hands.”

France’s Yohan Gourcuff and Borko Veselinovic of Serbia and
Montenegro are the joint leaders of the top scorers’ chart, having
registered three goals apiece so far.