Armenia National Team Defeated by Ireland

In the 6th round of the UEFA Nations League group stage, the Armenia national team was hosted by Ireland and suffered a 2-3 loss, resulting in their relegation to Division C. After the match, our team’s head coach Joaquín Caparrós commented:

“It was really painful. I don't know why such things happen every time we play against Ireland. It turned out the same way as in 2011. Here we need to assess the team’s reaction. The pride of the players... when the score was 2-2, we still had enough time to reach the desired score, and the opponent was nervous. There were still 45 minutes left, and we had to believe in our strength. We had more possession and created chances. The first goal was scored by the opponent from a set-piece, where they are quite strong, and after going 2-0 down, we began to control the ball more. At 2-2, Khoren Bayramyan had a favorable opportunity. The opponent understood that we could change the situation. There was no corner kick. It’s quite simple. I don’t judge the penalty decision; I judge the fact that there was no corner, and I’m sure you saw that there was none. Therefore, a penalty kick should not have been awarded, because there should not have been a corner in the first place. I repeat, I don’t understand what happens every time the Armenia national team plays in Ireland. The 2011 match is part of Armenian football history, and I am obliged to study it. Moreover, back then, the referee was Spanish, meaning I, as the head coach, must study the history of Armenian football. Interestingly, the player involved in that incident in 2011 is now our goalkeepers’ coach. Thank you to my players, and what I say to the players in the locker room remains in the locker room.”