Armenian Perspective on the Hungary–Armenia Match: Sportaran’s Interview with Hungarian media Csakfoci

This week, I, the author of the website Sportaran, gave an interview to the Hungarian sports outlet Csakfoci.hu. My conversation with journalist Attila Pék was dedicated to the upcoming match between the national teams of Armenia and Hungary, as well as the current state of the Armenian side under the management of Yeghishe Melikyan.

We discussed the recent victory over Ireland, the fans’ attitude toward the team, and expectations ahead of the game in Budapest. I pointed out that this success primarily gave the players confidence after a series of disappointing matches. However, it’s still too early to talk about competing for second place in the group. Hungary looks like the favorite, but surprises are always possible in football — and the Armenian national team has already proven that more than once.

We also touched upon the topic of club football. Hungary is clearly ahead in that area — infrastructure, stadiums, and fan culture. We definitely have a lot to learn from them in these aspects.
At the same time, it’s important to understand that the national team and club football are two different stories. Most of our key players play abroad, and it’s they who form the core of the national side.

“In club football, Hungary is clearly ahead — good stadiums, strong fan culture. We have a lot to learn.

In recent years, Hungarian and Armenian clubs have met quite often. For example, earlier this year there was another encounter: Pyunik played against Győr and managed to win at home. Last year, Puskás Akadémia and Ararat-Armenia produced some thrilling matches. However, in Armenia, we usually separate club football from the national team, since most key players come from foreign clubs — although, of course, there are also representatives of domestic teams”.

When talking about key players, I noted that Eduard Spertsyan plays roughly the same role for us as Dominik Szoboszlai does for Hungary. Hungary’s main threat lies in set pieces and aerial duels — they are very strong there. For us, it’s important to avoid unnecessary fouls near our box and maintain defensive focus.

“Eduard Spertsyan — for us, he’s what Szoboszlai is for Hungary. You have Szoboszlai and Kerkez, while we have Spertsyan and Nair Tiknizyan. Of course, Krasnodar and Crvena Zvezda aren’t Liverpool, but in individual matches they can perform at a similar level. We hope to see that. Since the Armenian team struggles against tall, physically strong strikers, that’s what worries me most. The biggest threat, in my view, is Barnabás Varga — he’s outstanding in the box, and we have issues defending aerially. Fortunately, he won’t play due to suspension. Apart from him, I’d also highlight Szoboszlai — his set pieces are superb.”

We also discussed Yeghishe Melikyan’s work. In a short time, he has made the team more organized and disciplined — there’s a noticeable sense of unity and belief in the result.
If Armenia starts the match confidently and manages to impose its rhythm, anything is possible — even in Budapest.

The full interview is available on Csakfoci.hu.