Wales EURO 2024 hopes out of their hands after Armenia draw
Joe Rodon of Wales in action. Wales v Armenia in a UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on the 16th June 2023. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales’ hopes of automatically qualifying for EURO 2024 are now out of their hands after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Armenia.
It was the worst possible start for Wales as the home side struck the opening goal in the fifth minute thanks to Lucas Zelereyan.
Cymru found themselves level in first half added time, when Nair Tiknizyan deflected a Connor Roberts long thrown in to his own net.
Both sides pushed for a winning goal, but it wasn’t to be for either side as the full time whistle blew in Yerevan.
Wales now have a final qualifier at home to Turkey on Tuesday night, that could still have major implications on who qualifies automatically for Euro 2024.
It was a nightmare start for Wales, a corner in the fifth minute dropped to the edge of the area, with Lucas Zelarayan creating space to fire home his third goal against Wales in qualifiers.
Cymru almost came close to an instant reply, with David Brooks firing an effort from the edge of the area, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
With Wales pushing for the equaliser, the hosts looked dangerous on the counter. Vahan Bichakhchyan coming close with a long range effort on a fast breakaway.
The first card of the game was given to Chris Mepham in the 32nd minute, meaning he will miss the Turkey fixture due to suspension.
Wales come close again in the 37th minute to the much needed equaliser. A great ball from David Brooks found Neco Williams breaking down the left side, he pulled the ball to the edge of the area for Harry Wilson to strike, but his effort was pushed wide by the Armenian keeper.
The away side were given a helping hand in first half added time. A long throw in to the box from Connor Roberts was headed in to his own net by Nair Tiknizyan to level the game going in to half time.
Varazdat Haroyan picked up Armenia’s first yellow card in the 54th minute for a late challenge on Wilson. Ethan Ampadu was also shown a yellow for his reaction to the challenge.
The home side were close to regaining the lead in the 60th minute. Vahan Bichakhchyan with a left footed effort from the edge of the area, striking the crossbar.
Jordan James was shown a yellow card in the 78th minute for a challenge stopping Armenia on the counter attack.
Both sides made attacking changes in the hopes of getting a winning goal, but it was a frustrating night for both as the final whistle was blown.
Armenia – Ognjen Cancarevic (GK), Andre Calisir, Varazdat Haroyan (C), Ugochukwu Iwu (Hovhannes Harutyunyan 64’), Eduard Spertsyan, Lucas Zelarayan, Grant-Leon Ranos (Artur Miranyan 72’), Arak Dashyan, Nair Tiknizyan, Georgi Arutyunyan, Vahan Bichakhchyan (Edgar Sevikyan 72’)
Goals: Lucas Zelarayan 5’
Yellow cards: Varazdat Haroyan 54’
Wales – Danny Ward (GK), Ben Davies (C), Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Connor Roberts (Nathan Broadhead 78’), Neco Williams, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, David Brooks (Brennan Johnson 50’), Harry Wilson (Daniel James 66’), Kieffer Moore
Goals: Nair Tiknizyan (OG) 45+2’
Yellow cards: Chris Mepham 32’ Ethan Ampadu 54’ Jordan James 78’
