After two matches, Armenia (FIFA Rank #53) stands third in Group B qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
On September 7, 2012, Armenia beat Malta in Ta'Qali Stadium on an Artur Sarkisov 70th minute goal.
However, Armenia - which had a quick turnaround - played in Bulgaria just four days later and lost 0-1. It seemed that every time Armenian striker Henrikh Mkhitaryan would charge into the open field, he would immediately be horse-collared down to the pitch. The match eventually deteriorated into a dirty game - 1 red and 4 yellows were handed out to Bulgaria, 2 reds and four yellow to Armenia (most of Armenia's cards came in retaliation for poor, unsportsmanlike and flagrant play by the Bulgarians). Here are the "highlights," if you want to call it that, from the match.
Regardless, Armenia must regroup and move forward, as they now face world #6 Italy on October 12, 2012.
On September 7, 2012, Armenia beat Malta in Ta'Qali Stadium on an Artur Sarkisov 70th minute goal.
However, Armenia - which had a quick turnaround - played in Bulgaria just four days later and lost 0-1. It seemed that every time Armenian striker Henrikh Mkhitaryan would charge into the open field, he would immediately be horse-collared down to the pitch. The match eventually deteriorated into a dirty game - 1 red and 4 yellows were handed out to Bulgaria, 2 reds and four yellow to Armenia (most of Armenia's cards came in retaliation for poor, unsportsmanlike and flagrant play by the Bulgarians). Here are the "highlights," if you want to call it that, from the match.
Regardless, Armenia must regroup and move forward, as they now face world #6 Italy on October 12, 2012.
