Armenia remain in the hunt
Saturday, 2 September 2006
Armenia revived their chances of reaching the UEFA European Under-21
Championship play-offs as a first-half goal from Tigran Gharabaghtsyan
proved enough to defeat Norway in a Group 1 fixture in Yerevan.
Final fixture
The result left Samvel Petrosyan’s side level on three points with
Bosnia-Herzegovina – who had beaten the Armenians 3-2 in the section’s
first fixture last month – with the match between Norway and the
Bosnia-Herzegovnians to come on 6 September. The latter need a point
to progress to the play-offs, while Armenia will qualify should Norway
win by one goal.
Opportunist Karabagtsyan
The home team had a number of early opportunities at the Republican
stadium with Artur Yedigaryan missing the target when well placed, but
the breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Boris Melkonyan’s
pass gave Alexander Petrosyan an opening and, although Rune Jarsyein
parried, Karabagtsyan was on hand to put away the rebound.
Norwegian opening
Samvel Melkonyan then headed wide, but Norway had chances of their
own, Magnus Myklebust twice being crowded out while Alexander Tettey
tried his luck from distance on several occasions without
success. Tomasz Sokolowski shot over for the visitors after the break
before Myklebust hit the post from close range after a great cross
from Tore Reginiussen. Armenia held out, however, and must wait and
see whether they will be involved in the play-off draw on 8 September.
uefa.com 1998-2006.