Soccer: Injury-Stricken Armenia Welcomes Serbia to Yerevan

Special for the Armenian Weekly

Following an away loss to Denmark in Copenhagen in the opening round of the Euro 2016 qualifying matches held last month, Armenia now prepares to welcome Serbia to the Republican Stadium in Yerevan on Sat., Oct. 11. The Serbian team has yet to play a competitive fixture in this campaign, having recorded a 1:1 draw with tournament hosts France in a friendly match held in Belgrade. That match was their first under new manager Dick Advocaat, the well-traveled, vastly experienced, and greatly respected Dutch coach who has a proven track record of qualifying for major tournaments. Advocaat’s opener was fair in his estimation, as his side defended well, limited chances on the defensive end, but lacked imagination in the attacking third. Having brought the Netherlands, South Korea, and Russia to major tournaments previously, Advocaat will be looking to continue that success with Serbia, a team that has failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments despite boasting a squad of players that play at the highest levels around Europe.