Alexander Petrakov's Responsible Statement

In a few hours, the national football team of Armenia will kick off its campaign in the group stage of the Nations League C Division, facing Latvia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

“We dream of securing a place in the World Cup, just like the Georgians did. The Nations League provides teams from smaller countries like ours with the opportunity to compete in major tournaments. Yesterday, the President of the Football Federation of Armenia visited us, and we discussed our goals. Yes, our aim is victory in the Nations League and to secure a place in the final stage of the World Cup,” stated Armenia's national team head coach Alexander Petrakov during yesterday's pre-match press conference.

It should be noted that among the winners of the subgroups in the Nations League A, B, and C divisions, three teams that show the best results will secure a playoff spot for the World Cup. Given Petrakov's extensive experience and his consistent sober assessments, we can conclude that the Ukrainian specialist truly believes in the success of our national team in the Nations League.

Among the fans, there is much discussion about the potential deliberate failure of the upcoming Nations League campaign and the importance of maintaining a spot in the C Division. If Armenia remains in this division, it will have a good chance to compete for a spot in the final phase of the European Championship in the next round of the Nations League. Georgia and North Macedonia have already advanced from the Nations League C Division to the European Championship.

Yes, Armenia can win its subgroup in Division C and move up to Division B, but it may not secure a World Cup playoff spot. Under Spanish coach Joaquin Caparros, Armenia won in Division C and advanced to Division B. At that stage, securing a European Championship spot proved unrealistic, and our national team faltered. Critics still target Caparros, suggesting that he should not have elevated the team to Division B.

Nevertheless, Petrakov's contract with the Football Federation will expire in November when the Nations League finishes. There is a strong possibility that if the objectives set for the national team are not met, the federation will not extend the contract with the Ukrainian specialist. Petrakov's responsible statement yesterday demonstrates that our coach will try to do everything possible—and even the impossible—to achieve great success in the Nations League and continue his work with the Armenian national team.