Armenia v PolandPoland continued to dominate Group A with a fine comeback win over Azerbaijan in Baku. Poland coach Leo Beenhakker would have been delighted with the Baku display as his side came back to win the match 1-3 after being down by one goal in the beginning.
Jacek Krzynówek played a huge role in ensuring the Poles maintained their winning streak in Group A. This was their sixth consecutive win and Krzynówek's brilliance ensured Poland did not feel the absence of Radosław Matusiak, who is out with a chronic ankle injury. Zagłębie Lubin striker Łukasz Piszczek has replaced Matusiak in the Poland squad, but it was Euzebiusz Smolarek who shone in the Azerbaijan game.
Nevertheless the match on June 6 against Armenia will be seen as a formality by Poland who are on a winning run at the moment. A win in that game should seal their place in the Euro 2008 finals although Serbia, Portugal and Finland may yet upset their applecart.
On the other hand Euro 2008 qualifying campaign has proved a headache for Armenia and the side is languishing at the second place from bottom. Armenia coach Ian Porterfield is dealing with multiple injuries in his squad. Karen Aleksanyan in injured and is a doubtful starter, while Romik Khachatryan and Levon Pachajyan are suspended.
FC Ararat defender Vahagn Minasyan and FC Banants defender Ararat Arakelyan have been called in for the game against Poland. Armenia scored a creditable 1-2 win against Kazakhstan. This was their first win in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Robert Arzumanyan and Sargis Hovsepyan were the heroes for Armenia in the match, while Ruslan Baltiyev had scored for Kazakhstan.
Poland lead Group A with 19 points from eight matches, while Armenia are in the seventh place with four points from six games. Armenia v Poland will kick off on Wednesday 6th June. Tags: Poland, Armenia, Euro 2008 finals, Euro 2008 qualifying, Armenia v Poland Posted: |
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