ARMENIA 1-0 POLAND
RTE.ie, Ireland
June 6 2007
Poland missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of Euro
2008 Qualifying Group A after slipping to a one-goal defeat against
a battling Armenia side at the Republican Stadium.
Armenia, who had rarely threatened in the opening hour, broke the
deadlock in the 64th minute after Poland defender Jacek Bak fouled
Armenia’s Aram Hakobyan on the edge of the penalty area.
Experienced midfielder Hamlet Mkhitaryan took the resulting free-kick
and his right-footed shot flew past Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc
into the top-left corner of the net.
Armenia manager Ian Porterfield though had Gevorg Kasparov to thank
for the victory after the Pas Tehran goalkeeper denied Poland on a
number of occasions.
The visitors had three chances within the space of five minutes to
open the scoring in the first half but were unable to find a way past
the inspired 26-year-old goalkeeper.
Defender Marcin Wasilewski found striker Marek Saganowski in the 26th
minute but his shot from inside the six-yard box was tipped round
the post by Kasparov.
A minute later Kasparov was brought into action again after Mkhitaryan
fouled Poland midfielder Wojciech Lobodzinski just outside the
penalty area.
Midfielder Jacek Krzynowek took the resulting free-kick but his
curling effort was pushed over the bar by Kasparov.
Kasparov again denied Poland’s attack in the 29th minute, this
time saving Lobodzinski 25-yard drive with his feet before blocking
Saganowski’s follow-up shot from 12 yards.
Poland continued to dominate possession in the second half but found
the Armenia defence much more difficult to break down and Kasparov
in inspired form.
Kasparov again denied Leo Beenhakker’s side late in the game, first
making a smart save from midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski’s header in
the 86th minute then blocking striker Maciej Zurawski’s shot from 12
yards in injury time.