Bulgarian U21 team achieved an important victory on the way to the finals of Euro 2017. In a match of qualifying group 5 Bulgaria won 1:0 to Armenia as guest.
During the first half-time at "Avan Academy" stadium in Yerevan, Despodov made a dangerous shot, but the goalkeeper Aivazov managed to save. Vassilev and Kraev had several attempts on target but did not succeed to score a goal.
The hosts also created several opportunities but our goalkeeper Kitanov showed his class and saved Simonyan’s and Ayvazyan’shots.
In the beginning of a second half-time Despodov missed the target. Three minutes later Vasilev had an effort on goal.
Armenian players Simonyan, Hakobyan and Ayvazyan had dangerous shots on target but Kitanov made saves.
By the end of the game three of the substitutes entered in for Bulgaria: Tasev, Yusein and Nenov, who replaced Georgiev, Kraev and Vasilev.
In 79th minute Tasev delivered a corner, Nenov received the ball and with 11 meters shot brought the victory for Bulgaria.
Bulgarian U21 team currently takes a third place in qualifying group 5 with 14 points and eight matches played. Denmark is the leader with 19 points and one match less, followed by Romania with 16 points and eight matches. Wales, Luxembourg and Armenia are on fourth, fifth and sixth place with 14, 2 and 1 points won.
According to the regulations the nine group winners qualify automatically. The four runners-up with the best record against the nations first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs.
The next match for Bulgaria is against Denmark on 7th October.
Yellow cards: Malinov (Bulgaria); Hakobyan, Minasyan (Armenia)
Bulgaria U21: 1. Kitanov, 17. Terziev, 5. Galabov, 8. Gamakov, 21. Marin, 19. Vasilev (Nenov, 76`), 15. Malinov, 18. Kolev, 14. Georgiev (Tasev, 57`), 11. Kraev (Yusein, 65`), 7. Despodov
Coach: Antoni Zdravkov
Armenia U21: 1. Aivazov, 2. Grigoryan, 3. Kartashyan, 4. Shakhnazaryan (C), 5.Hacobyan, 6. Manucharyan, 9. Raz. Hakobyan, 10. Ayvazyan (Petrosyan, 81`), 11. N.Minasyan (Hovhannisyan, 74`), 18. Arakelyan, 23. Simonyan (Avetisyan, 74`)
Coach: Karen Barseghyan
Referee:
Anastasios Papapetrou (GRE)
Department " Public Relations and Media"
