YEREVAN (A.W.)–Armenia traveled to Naples on Tues., Oct. 15 with a very difficult task ahead, but with hopes of World Cup qualification still alive. A win versus the Italians, the run-away leaders of Group B, and favorable results elsewhere across Europe just might have seen them progress. Armenia succeeded in spoiling Italy’s 100 percent home record for this campaign, leading twice through goals from Yura Movsisyan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but ultimately settling for a draw as Alessandro Florenzi and Mario Balotelli scored in response to end proceedings all-square. A milestone for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who became Armenia’s all-time leading scorer with his effort, surpassing Artur Petrosyan. A draw was not enough, however, and with results elsewhere not doing teams in Group B any favors, alas, for Armenia and the other second place suitors in the group, the dream was over.
Group B table
|
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
| Italy |
10 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
19 |
9 |
+10 |
22 |
| Denmark |
10 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
17 |
12 |
+5 |
16 |
| Czech Republic |
10 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
13 |
9 |
+4 |
15 |
| Bulgaria |
10 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
14 |
9 |
+5 |
13 |
| Armenia |
10 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
12 |
13 |
-1 |
13 |
| Malta |
10 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
5 |
28 |
−23 |
3 |
Of the nine groups in the European confederation, eight second-placed teams advance to the playoff round. That means the short straw for one unlucky second-place finisher. Since Group I contained five teams, in order to determine who missed out, points against the last-placed team in each of the groups containing six were discarded when comparing each of those second-placed teams’ records. With Denmark deducted the six points they secured versus Malta, they fell one point short of Croatia’s adjusted 11 point total in Group A and were thus eliminated.
Each qualifying and subsequent finals tournament typically has one group dubbed “the Group of death,” usually when a group of teams with pedigree and history are drawn together, producing difficult matchups and ultimately the elimination of some strong team or teams. With four of the six teams steeped in previous World Cup glories and with the inclusion of the wildcard that is Armenia in Group B, more than one powerhouse was going to be disappointed. As it turned out, Italy’s class shone through, while the rest of the teams played out a veritable demolition derby in which each remaining team enjoyed their highs and lows. But ultimately all of them failed to cross the finish line.
Do not be fooled by Armenia’s 5th place finish in this group. There is much more merit due to Coach Minasyan’s men than meets the eye. A critic may dismiss Armenia’s standing as more of the same old disappointment, but looking closer, Armenia’s campaign is another solid building block to add to the previous campaign. A point in Italy, something that no other team could do, and wins against every other team, proves Armenia is improving steadily and gaining a certain momentum towards their goal of major tournament qualification.
Their ranking by UEFA is up to 29 of 53 teams, just one short of being drawn from Pot 3 for the upcoming Euros, another near miss but clear signs of a strengthening team. In FIFA rankings, Armenia has now reached number 38, a team record, and just one shy of a prediction for the team made in the Armenian Weekly’s article from April 2012, “FIFA World Rankings and Armenia: What’s in a Number?”
Rankings and seeding can sometimes be misleading. The qualification format in Europe can be argued as being unfair and in need of revision, as outlined by Bobby McMahon in an article from Forbes.com. But the facts remain that although Armenia failed to qualify, the team and nation are there or thereabouts. They are on track for attaining those future successes the fans so deeply crave. They are no longer classified as an upcoming or tricky team; their results see them routinely scouted as a dangerous team. That respect is something that Armenia’s results have earned them, results that will see them earn a place at the big stage in the not too distant future.
M.J. Graham
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Thank you as always, MJ, for the brilliant analysis. Let’s hope the national team will be able to soon add a few more decent players of Armenian descent currently playing professionally in Europe, Latin America and Iran.
Thank you Mr Graham for covering the Armenian team. It felt good to draw with the Italians on their home turf :)
Now about that game with Malta …
There are some serious problems with UEFA’s qualification system. Norway gets a first pot seeding over France? Greece still riding its Euro 2004 success. Croatia massively overrated and still a one seed. Portugal going to a third successive playoff after being a 1 seed. 3 third pot teams qualified DIRECTLY to the world cup. They WON the group. That’s doesn’t happen with accurate seeding. But in any case, Armenia should have a good chance to qualify to the new, 24 team Euros in 2016.
Our striking force is very powerful and interesting to watch. I believe that if we somehow find a good defensive midfielder, which will allow Mkhitaryan to go forward more often, it will be a major boost. Any candidates?
You hit the nail on the head. With a top really good defensive midfielder and in general a better defensive back line, Armenia can beat any team. I know this may be to much to ask for, but we have all the quickness in the world. what Armenia need to get better, is strength and size.
Armenia proved, that they can compete and win games against top European national teams! I look forward to see more mature and better Armenia in 2016.