In a nail-biting encounter in Yerevan, Wales’ hopes of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2024 took a hit as they played to a 1-1 draw against Armenia. The match, which had significant implications for both teams, left Welsh fans on the edge of their seats.
Armenia, who had previously handed Wales a humbling defeat in Cardiff, wasted no time asserting their dominance in this match. Just five minutes in, Lucas Zelarayan, the tormentor-in-chief from their previous encounter, capitalized on some slack defending to unleash a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area, putting Armenia in the lead.
The Welsh team found themselves in a state of panic, but they didn’t give up. Shortly before halftime, Armenia’s Nair Tiknizyan, under pressure from a Connor Roberts throw-in, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, allowing Wales to equalize.
As the second half kicked off, both teams knew that a win was crucial to maintain any realistic chance of automatic qualification. The intensity on the field was palpable, with Armenia’s Vahan Bichakchyan nearly finding the net by hitting the crossbar, and Wales’ Jordan James having a close call.
However, it was clear that neither side was able to seize control of the match. Despite their efforts, Wales did not demonstrate the form they had shown in their memorable victory over Croatia. As a result, Wales now find themselves in a precarious position, no longer holding the reins of their destiny.
To secure automatic qualification, Wales must defeat Group D leaders Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday and hope that Croatia drop points in their remaining fixtures against Latvia and Armenia. While there is still the fallback option of the play-offs in March thanks to their strong performance in the UEFA Nations League, the outcome of this match is undoubtedly a blow to Robert Page and his players.
This draw brought back memories of Wales’ earlier setbacks against Armenia and Turkey in June, including a painful 4-2 loss at home to Armenia, which Page had described as haunting. However, the tide seemed to turn with a significant win over Croatia, which breathed new life into Wales’ qualifying hopes. Victories against Armenia and Turkey would have guaranteed their spot in Euro 2024.
Yet, the shadow of that previous defeat against Armenia loomed large, with the Armenian lineup featuring many of the players who had caused Wales so much trouble before. Zelarayan, in particular, proved to be a thorn in Wales’ side once again, netting an early goal that ignited the atmosphere in Yerevan.
Despite creating chances, Wales seemed to lack the poise and control they had displayed against Croatia. Chris Mepham’s yellow card in the first half, which rules him out for the crucial game against Turkey, added to their woes. And Kieffer Moore’s injury scare only added to the anxiety.
Ultimately, both teams played with a sense of desperation in the second half. Tempers flared, with yellow cards distributed, and momentum swung back and forth. Wales introduced fresh legs in the form of Brennan Johnson and Daniel James, hoping to inject some pace and creativity, but they struggled to find the breakthrough.
Armenia’s goalkeeper, Ognjen Cancarevic, proved to be a formidable obstacle, denying Wales’ attempts from James, Moore, and Ethan Ampadu. In a last-ditch effort, Wales brought on another attacker, Nathan Broadhead, in a bid for victory, but it remained elusive. Armenia even came close to snatching a late winner, with substitute Edgar Sevikyan testing Danny Ward in stoppage time.
As the final whistle blew, the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium fell into an underwhelming silence, mirroring the disappointment felt by Wales. Their path to a fourth major tournament in eight years now appears to be a challenging one.
While Wales’ hopes hang in the balance, one thing is certain – the drama of international football never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats. The road to Euro 2024 continues, and for Wales, it’s a journey filled with uncertainty and high stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Euro 2024 Qualification
Q: What were the key moments in the Wales vs. Armenia match?
A: The key moments in the Wales vs. Armenia match included Lucas Zelarayan’s early goal for Armenia, Nair Tiknizyan’s own goal that equalized for Wales, and several close calls and attempts in the second half as both teams desperately sought a win.
Q: What does this draw mean for Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification chances?
A: The draw against Armenia has put Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification hopes in jeopardy. To qualify automatically, they now must beat Group D leaders Turkey and hope that Croatia drop points in their remaining matches against Latvia and Armenia. If they don’t finish in the top two, they have the fallback option of the play-offs in March.
Q: How did Wales perform compared to their previous matches?
A: Wales did not perform at the same level they had in their memorable victory over Croatia. They lacked poise and control, and the match was marked by desperation on both sides. The draw was indicative of a challenging and intense encounter.
Q: Who were the standout players in the match?
A: Lucas Zelarayan was a standout player for Armenia, scoring an early goal and causing trouble for the Welsh defense. For Wales, Nair Tiknizyan’s own goal provided a crucial equalizer. Armenia’s goalkeeper, Ognjen Cancarevic, also played a pivotal role by denying Wales’ attempts on goal.
Q: What are the next steps for Wales in their Euro 2024 qualification journey?
A: Wales must focus on their upcoming match against Group D leaders Turkey in Cardiff. Their qualification hopes hinge on this game and also on Croatia dropping points in their remaining fixtures. If needed, Wales can fall back on the play-offs in March as a potential route to Euro 2024.
More about Euro 2024 Qualification
- Wales held to a draw by Armenia
- Euro 2024 qualification scenarios
- Lucas Zelarayan’s impact in the match
- Wales’ performance compared to previous matches
- Key moments and highlights
2 comments
what’s next for wales? must-win vs turkey!
nail-biting match, zelarayan shines