SARKISOV SETTLES IT IN ARMENIA’S FAVOUR

UEFA.com
Sept 7 2012

Published: Friday 7 September 2012, 22.55CET

Artur Sarkisov came off the bench to score the only goal of the game
and secure an opening Group B win for Armenia in Ta’ Qali.

by Domenic Aquilina from Ta’ Qali National Stadium

Substitute Artur Sarkisov scored six minutes after coming off the
bench to secure Armenia the three points from their Group B encounter
away to Malta.

The game looked to be on course for a stalemate after a cautious
opening period, with few chances at either end. However, Armenia came
out with more intent after the interval, and coach Vardan Minasyan
was left delighted after throwing Sarkisov into the fray to score
the winner 20 minutes from time.

Neither side was able to gain the upper hand in a tentative first
45 minutes, with chances at a premium inside the Ta’ Qali National
Stadium. However, a change of ends brought renewed life to the visiting
side, and FC Kuban Krasnodar’s Aras Ozbiliz tested Andrew Hogg in the
home goal. Malta captain Michael Mifsud responded immediately with
a fine solo effort, which Gevorg Kasparov did excellently to parry.

In the end the game was decided by a substitute – after replacing
Marcos Pizzelli, Sarkisov connected perfectly with a cross from Yura
Movsisyan, the game’s outstanding player, to score the only goal. The
result could have been more emphatic but for the excellence of Hogg,
who denied Ozbiliz and Henrik Mkhitaryan late on. However, the points
ultimately went to Armenia, providing a confidence boost ahead of
their trip to Bulgaria on Tuesday, when Malta are in Italy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress