"Ireland had a more dramatic start to their qualifying campaign, recovering from 2-0 behind to draw 2-2 at home to Hungary through goals by Evan Ferguson in the 49th minute and Adam Idah during the third minute of added time."
"Long-serving Armenia captain Varazdat Haroyan retired from international football because of Melikyan's appointment, explaining that it "didn't work out" when the pair worked together at Pyunik and "won't work out either" at international level. Melikyan called the absence of the injured Styopa Mkrtchyan - the squad's only left-footed central defender - a "big loss". Goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic had been a doubt and was an unused substitute against Portugal but starts this time, while newcomers include midfielders Narek Aghasaryan, of Armenian Premier League leaders Urartu, and Karen Nalbandyan, of second-placed Alashkert."
""I want to see a change of generations and rejuvenation of the squad, gradually moving in that direction," hoped Melikyan before his first defeat."
Yeghishe Melikyan begins his Armenia tenure aiming for first points when Republic of Ireland visit Yerevan in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Melikyan’s reign started with a 5-0 home defeat to Portugal, which included two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix. Ireland opened with a 2-2 home draw against Hungary via Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah. Long-serving captain Varazdat Haroyan retired following Melikyan’s appointment. Injured Styopa Mkrtchyan is absent and considered a significant loss. Ognjen Cancarevic starts in goal, while newcomers include Narek Aghasaryan and Karen Nalbandyan; Artyom Bandikyan did not feature.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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