Armenia v Wales – Robert Page's men chase vital win to boost Euro ...

19 days ago

Eurosport.com ASIA

Updated 18/11/2023 at 15:57 GMT

90+5'

THERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE!

Armenia push for the winner late on and are unfortunate not to get it with Wales hanging on. It finishes 1-1. Which is about right. Can't say Wales did enough to earn the three points.

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Ward dives to his right to repel the Sevikyan swerving shot. Had to make that stop before he fists clear a fiendish corner-kick. Five minutes added.

Cancarevic so relieved to see the ball land straight in his arms as Ethan Ampadu nodded into his arms. Looked like a free header too.

ARMENIA FORCED TO DIG DEEP

This time it is the home keeper Cancarevic with the save from the Moore header down to his right. That wasn't carrying too much pace as he slapped it away. Should really be holding those.

WALES FORCED TO DEFEND DEEPLY

All sorts of bodies back in the Welsh box as Spertsyan tries again for Armenia, but Neco Williams does wonderfully well to make a block and divert the ball over the bar. That looked goalbound.

83'

Nathan Broadhead replaces Connor Roberts for the closing moments.

HOME SIDE PUSH FOR THREE POINTS

But the finish from the red shirt of Tiknizyan was from an acute angle as the ball rampages over the cross bar. All frantic stuff.

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79'

Jordan James goes into the referee's book for a foul on Spertsyan as he broke up the pitch at speed. That is what you call taking one for the team.

Otherwise automatic qualification will be out of their hands. A draw would leave Croatia needing victories against Latvia and Armenia to book their spot at the finals. All on these last few minutes for Rob Page's side.

FRANTIC DEFENDING BY WALES

Real last-ditch defending by the visiting side to close down space before Harutyunyan thumps a shot well over the bar. Dan James does likewise at other end, but shot was never on target. Still 1-1.

73'

Artur Miranyan replaces Grant-Leon Ranos and Edgar Sevikyan is on for Vahan Bichakhchyan.

ARMENIA POISED TO MAKE A DOUBLE CHANGE

Both these teams sensing the chance could be there to win this match late on. One goal now either way might well be enough.

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Jordan James decides to clip a shot at goal from distance. Pretty decent effort, but home goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic makes a sound diving stop low to his left. Gathering the ball at second attempt.

Daniel James replaces Harry Wilson for the visitors.

A FOOT RACE IN THE WELSH HALF

Neco Williams and Hovhannes Harutyunyan set off for a straight sprint down a flank, but Williams doing enough to guide the ball over the line for a Wales goalkick.

63'

LOOKS LIKE ARMENIA ARE GOING TO BENCH

Off goes the injured Iwu to be replaced by Hovhannes Harutyunyan.

SO CLOSE TO A SECOND FOR ARMENIA!

Vahan Bichakhchyan with a superb effort. Comes back off the underside of the bar with Ward beaten from edge of area. Rebound comes out to Zelarayán, but he lifts the volley miles over. What a chance that is.

ANOTHER SHOT LAUNCHED FROM DISTANCE

Eduard Spertsyan isn't hanging about, but his shot sails well over the rigging as he leans back at the key moment of contact. We remain 1-1 at the hour mark.

57'

ARMENIA WITH AN INJURY ISSUE

Ugochukwu Iwu forced to go off for a spot of treatment. Seems to be some sort of leg strain.

55'

ANOTHER BOOKING FOR THE VISITORS

Ethan Ampadu has collected a yellow card for complaining about the nature of the challenge on Wilson. Players clearly needing to calm it down a bit.

Yellow card

E. Ampadu

Wales