Tweet
DARK HORSES ARMENIA HOLD KEY TO IRELAND'S PLAY-OFF FATE
Irish Independent
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dark-horses-armenia-hold-key-to-irelands-playoff-fate-2867194.html
Sept 6 2011
WHILE Giovanni Trapattoni and his side will be focused on events in
Moscow today, supporters will be keeping an eye on another crucial
game in Group B that could have a huge bearing on the standings,
with Slovakia hosting Armenia.
With just three games remaining in the campaign, the group is still
very much open.
And while Ireland are still in the race to top the group and secure
the only automatic qualifying spot for Euro 2012, the battle for
second place -- and the play-offs -- is also very tight.
The Slovaks are currently tied on 14 points with second-placed
Ireland. A win for Armenia would bring them level with Vladimir Weiss'
side and back into the hunt for the play-offs.
And they'll go into the game full of confidence after their win in
Yerevan last October, when second-half goals from Gevorg Ghazaryan
and Henrik Mkhitaryan secured a superb 3-1 win for Armenians.
With Russia due to travel to Zilina in the penultimate game of their
campaign, Russian boss Dick Advocaat is hoping the Armenians can make
life very difficult for the Slovaks.
"There are three points between them. If the Armenians win, they
will catch up with the Slovaks and have a real chance to fight for
second place. It's good for us as they have a chance and, therefore,
they'll be extremely motivated."
Also tonight, Macedonia host Andorra, who are yet to register a point,
in the clash of Group B's also-rans.
Irish Independent
Irish Independent
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dark-horses-armenia-hold-key-to-irelands-playoff-fate-2867194.html
Sept 6 2011
WHILE Giovanni Trapattoni and his side will be focused on events in
Moscow today, supporters will be keeping an eye on another crucial
game in Group B that could have a huge bearing on the standings,
with Slovakia hosting Armenia.
With just three games remaining in the campaign, the group is still
very much open.
And while Ireland are still in the race to top the group and secure
the only automatic qualifying spot for Euro 2012, the battle for
second place -- and the play-offs -- is also very tight.
The Slovaks are currently tied on 14 points with second-placed
Ireland. A win for Armenia would bring them level with Vladimir Weiss'
side and back into the hunt for the play-offs.
And they'll go into the game full of confidence after their win in
Yerevan last October, when second-half goals from Gevorg Ghazaryan
and Henrik Mkhitaryan secured a superb 3-1 win for Armenians.
With Russia due to travel to Zilina in the penultimate game of their
campaign, Russian boss Dick Advocaat is hoping the Armenians can make
life very difficult for the Slovaks.
"There are three points between them. If the Armenians win, they
will catch up with the Slovaks and have a real chance to fight for
second place. It's good for us as they have a chance and, therefore,
they'll be extremely motivated."
Also tonight, Macedonia host Andorra, who are yet to register a point,
in the clash of Group B's also-rans.
Irish Independent