Special for the Armenian Weekly
Approximately 12,500 fans were on hand at Kuban Stadium in Krasnodar, Russia on Wed. March 5 to witness Armenia fall to a disappointing 2:0 defeat at the hands of rivals Russia. Goals from Alexander Kokorin and Dmitriy Kombarov gave the home side a deserved victory.
(C) 2014 HAKBER
The opener came on 21 minutes when a sweeping Russian move, which started from the left flank and was worked nicely to the right channel, saw Samedov square invitingly to Kokorin, who in turn found the net with a deft flick from close range. The terrific move made the Armenian defenders look like school boys, having been easily pulled out of position and ultimately left chasing shadows by Russia’s intricate passing as Samedov and Kokorin made it look all too easy.
Armenia offered little in response with Russia dominating possession in midfield and cutting off any quality supply to the Armenian front line. A long range effort from Mkhitaryan on 3o minutes was the fruit of Armenia’s labor in the first half, a half that came to a close with Russia doubling their lead. Samedov was again the instigator as he slalomed into the Armenian penalty area only to be upended clumsily by the hapless challenge of Artak Yedigaryan. Kombarov stepped up and slotted the spot kick into the corner with a crisp left footed finish, past the dive of Berezovsky in goal who guessed right but was unable to make the stop.
As is the norm with International friendlies, many changes in personnel took place at the break and throughout the course of the second half. The Russian team didn’t miss a beat, however, and the course of the game was never in doubt. Armenia rarely attacked with any meaningful purpose and failed to threaten on the occasions when a sight of goal was afforded to them. A tame shot from Movsisyan from outside the 18 yard box and a miscued header by Arzumanyan from a corner were meat and drink for the Russian defense who had a comfortable afternoon at the office.
(C) 2014 HAKBER
The lethargic and labored performance from Armenia was in stark contrast to the lively Russian players, who showed little signs of rust, despite the fact their domestic league is currently on a winter break. Russia has begun preparing for their World Cup appearance in Brazil this summer with desire and intent. Perhaps the competition between players for a place in the final squad added an extra “spring in their step” while under the watchful eye of their experienced Italian manager Fabio Capello.
For Armenia, with the advent of a new coach, management style and perhaps playing philosophy, one would have thought the Armenian players would have been looking to impress. Suffice it to say that none of them put in a performance worthy of note, except perhaps Berezovsky in net who made countless saves as he was left exposed on a number of occasions.
Put it down to rust, put it down to lack of preparation in light of the imminent change in management, but this type of performance has been seen before from the team. Armenia is notoriously up and down in terms of form. Knowing the team is capable of world class performances, as seen versus Italy and Denmark in the last campaign, makes the flat, unimaginative performances that have sprinkled their results over the last few campaigns all the more frustrating. Yes, the match versus Russia was a friendly, and yes managerial changes are afoot, but consistency is a characteristic in which this team is seriously lacking. Unless consistency can be attained, the talented pool of players at the national team’s disposal will be wasted, left to look back on their career as nearly men.
(C) 2014 HAKBER
As with any change in setup, there is a mixture of hope, anticipation and perhaps a little fear of the inevitable changes and the unknown. Vardan Minasyan manned the touch line for the final time, as he deputized for the incumbent Swiss manager Bernard Challandes. With the Russian match now in the books, Challandes takes over a team that has been shaped by Minasyan in recent years, a team that has shown tremendous promise and a team that is poised to take the next step. Only time will tell if Challandes is the right man to guide Armenia to Euro 2016, but the table has been set nicely for him and it will be up to the Swiss to make the most of what Armenia has to offer on the field.
Armenia: Berezovsky (C), Haroyan, Arzumanyan, Mkoyan (80’ Hambardzumyan), Artak Yedigaryan (68’ Hovhannisyan), Mkrtchyan, Pizzelli, Ghazaryan (83’ Papikyan), Mkhitaryan (64’ Dashyan), Sarkisov (46’ Artur Yedigaryan), Movsisyan (88’ Adamyan)
Coach: Minasyan
Russia: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Yeshenko (46’ Kozlov), Zhirkov (46’ Kerzhakov), Kombarov, Glushakov (YC), Fayzulin (46’ Dzagoev), Shirokov (47’ Denisov), Samedov (76’ Shennikov), Kokorin (64’ Shatov)
Coach: Capello