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Channel News Asia
March 26 2011
Football: Armenia hold Russia to 0-0 draw
Posted: 27 March 2011 0204 hrs
YEREVAN : Euro 2012 Group B qualifying leaders Russia had to settle
for a draw against Arnenia here on Saturday despite dominating for
most of the game.
That meant they held onto their lead with 10 points from five matches
but left Ireland the chance to draw level with them should they defeat
Macedonia later on Saturday.
Armenia, who are now in second place with eight points, started in a
lively fashion, pinning Russia back in an attempt to expose their
defensive frailties.
But the visitors held firm, stifling Armenia's attacks and all the
while looking for the chance to launch counter-attacks.
Midway into the first-half though Russia added power and precision to
their attacks and created an impressive set of chances including nine
corners.
The guests made Armenia's goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky the most
overworked player on the pitch at the Yerevan Republican stadium, but
they failed to break the deadlock before the break.
Six minutes after the interval the hosts also created a clear
opportunity for an opener, but striker Yura Movsisyan failed to find
the net from seven metres out with the goal at his mercy.
Russia replied with another series of attacks, but once again they
failed to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities.
Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin, who looked a pale shadow of his
normal self, also had a chance to score in the 79th minute, but his
shot from the edge of Armenia's box went just inches wide off the
right-hand post.
- AFP /ls
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1119037/1/.html
From: A. Papazian
March 26 2011
Football: Armenia hold Russia to 0-0 draw
Posted: 27 March 2011 0204 hrs
YEREVAN : Euro 2012 Group B qualifying leaders Russia had to settle
for a draw against Arnenia here on Saturday despite dominating for
most of the game.
That meant they held onto their lead with 10 points from five matches
but left Ireland the chance to draw level with them should they defeat
Macedonia later on Saturday.
Armenia, who are now in second place with eight points, started in a
lively fashion, pinning Russia back in an attempt to expose their
defensive frailties.
But the visitors held firm, stifling Armenia's attacks and all the
while looking for the chance to launch counter-attacks.
Midway into the first-half though Russia added power and precision to
their attacks and created an impressive set of chances including nine
corners.
The guests made Armenia's goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky the most
overworked player on the pitch at the Yerevan Republican stadium, but
they failed to break the deadlock before the break.
Six minutes after the interval the hosts also created a clear
opportunity for an opener, but striker Yura Movsisyan failed to find
the net from seven metres out with the goal at his mercy.
Russia replied with another series of attacks, but once again they
failed to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities.
Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin, who looked a pale shadow of his
normal self, also had a chance to score in the 79th minute, but his
shot from the edge of Armenia's box went just inches wide off the
right-hand post.
- AFP /ls
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1119037/1/.html
From: A. Papazian