The Armenia national football team suffered a defeat in the first match of the UEFA Nations League playoffs, losing 0:3 to Georgia. The match, played in Yerevan at the Armenian team's home stadium, ended with a confident victory for the visitors.
Match Summary
The first half began with an even contest, but by the middle of the period, the Georgian team increased the pressure, which led to two quick goals. On the 32nd minute, Giorgi Kochorashvili opened the scoring, and just five minutes later, Georges Mikautadze doubled Georgia’s lead in the 37th minute. In the second half, Mikautadze completed his brace in the 59th minute, scoring the third goal after a rapid counterattack that started from an Armenian corner kick.
Debut of the Head Coach
For Armenia’s head coach, John van 't Schip, this match was his first in charge of the team. Unfortunately, his debut did not go as planned: the Dutch coach's players were unable to offer adequate resistance to the Georgian team.
Final Score: Armenia — Georgia 0:3
Goals: 0:1 — Giorgi Kochorashvili (32', assist — Giorgi Mamardashvili)
0:2 — Georges Mikautadze (37', assist — Otar Kiteishvili)
0:3 — Georges Mikautadze (59', assist — Giorgi Chakvetadze)
Armenia National Team Lineup
Goalkeeper: Ognen Chancharevich
Defenders: Varazdat Haroyan, Giorgi Arutyunyan, Sergey Muradyan (Oganes Ambarzumyan, 80'), Nair Tiknizyan
Midfielders: Ugochukwu Iwu (Narek Grigoryan, 65'), Gor Manvelyan (Vaan Bichakhchyan, 46'), Artak Dashyan (Solomon Udo, 46')
Forwards: Edgar Sevikyan, Tigran Barseghyan, Artur Miranyan (Ncholas Kaloikian, 57')
Key Moments
Armenia’s captain Varazdat Haroyan played his 90th match for the national team.
For forward Ncholas Kaloikian, this match was his debut for the national team.
Return Match
The second encounter between Armenia and Georgia will take place on March 23 in Tbilisi. The Armenian team will need to work hard to correct the impression from the first match and keep their chances alive for success in the Nations League playoffs.