Wales’ hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2024 were dented by a 1-1 draw in Armenia.
Lucas Zelarayan came back to haunt Wales again with a fifth-minute opener before a Nair Tiknizyan own goal in first-half stoppage time restored parity.
The draw helps neither side as far as joining already-qualified Turkey in the top two is concerned.
Even beating Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday would not be enough for Wales should Croatia win their final two fixtures.
If Croatia win those games then Wales will be involved in the March play-offs.
Armenia’s chances of a top-two place are almost certainly over, barring a Croatia collapse.
Wales had a score to settle with Armenia after their humiliating 4-2 defeat in Cardiff five months ago, a result which left them playing catch-up in the race for the tournament in Germany next summer.
Rob Page’s side also had to turn the tide of history as Wales had never beaten Armenia in three previous meetings.
Wales were unchanged from the side that produced last month’s stunning 2-1 win over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.
Brennan Johnson missed that game through injury and the Tottenham forward, fresh from his first Spurs goal, had to make do with a place on the bench.
Armenia – ranked 95 in the world and 67 places below Wales – showed nine survivors from the team who had won in Cardiff in June, including Grant-Leon Ranos and Zelarayan who both scored twice then.
Wales were behind inside five minutes after failing to deal with a corner.
Danny Ward hesitated before Joe Rodon’s poor header looped towards Zelarayan, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and found the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.
David Brooks fired over in reply and Neco Williams saw his effort deflected wide after Kieffer Moore had pounced on a home mistake.
Moore headed wide but Wales were generally unable to sustain attacks with Armenia dangerous on the counter.
Vahan Bichakhchyan drove inches wide from one such raid, and Wales suffered another blow as Chris Mepham’s challenge on Zelarayan earned him a yellow card to rule him out of the Turkey game.
Wales went close after 37 minutes when Williams pulled the ball back into Harry Wilson’s path and goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic was at full stretch to save.
Then just seconds from the interval Connor Roberts sent over a long throw and Tiknizyan, under pressure from Rodon, headed into his own net.
Johnson replaced Brooks within three minutes of the restart and the contest was developing a spicy edge with Varazdat Haroyan cautioned for chopping down Wilson and Ethan Ampadu similarly punished for his reaction to the challenge.
Armenia went mightily close as Bichakhchyan’s chip drifted over the head of Ward and onto the crossbar.
The crowd held its breath as Zelarayan seemed certain to bury the rebound but instead the game’s best player sliced it over.
Armenia were slowly turning the screw but Cancarevic was tested from outside the box by Jordan James and needed a second attempt to gather.
Eduard Spertsyan had a clear sight of goal before being denied by one of an increasing number of last-gasp Welsh blocks.
Moore’s header was held by Cancarevic and in a frantic finale Ward produced a flying stop to deny substitute Edgar Sevikyan, who later shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Thomas Partey outChristian Norgaard inThat's a quick replacement. That time N'Golo Kante was late for France training lolSomeone told me l look like Cole Palmer once and l haven't been able to sleep at night since lol I choose not to say anything. Reasons you should join Man United…Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: J...
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled for game time under Ruben AmorimAlejandro Garnacho's controversial decision to wear an Aston Villa shirt bearing Marcus Rashford's name has reinforced Manchester United's desire to sell him.While United have not commented publicly on Garnacho's contentious move, which saw him post on social media a picture of him in the shirt, sources say the stunt has only served ...
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo after a breakthrough in talks with Brentford, sources have told ESPN.United have made signing the Cameroon international their priority in recent weeks before they move onto other targets.Sources have told ESPN that the basics of an agreement for the 25-year-old are in place, with negotiations now focusing on add-ons and the structure of ...
Manchester United are eyeing a move for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to bolster their goalkeeping options, sources have told Football Insider.United have held a long-term interest in Victor and scouts have been watching him at this summer's Club World Cup.The 29-year-old has impressed again for Botafogo in the tournament, keeping a clean sheet in their win over European Champions PSG, and in th...
Laporta confirms Fati will join MonacoBarcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Blaugrana flop Ansu Fati will join Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco this week.Speaking to reporters, the Barca chief said: "If everything goes well this week, we could have very good news for Ansu Fati, he's set to join AS Monaco."Liverpool appoint ex-Wales manager as new Under-21s bossLiverpool have appointed former...
Real Madrid CF v Real Sociedad - La Liga EA SportsKylian Mbappe has returned to Real Madrid team training ahead of their next Club World Cup match after being hospitalised with gastroenteritis.WHAT HAPPENED?Mbabppe has returned to full Real Madrid team training after his spell in hospital with gastroenteritis. The former Paris Saint-Germain star missed Los Blancos' first two matches at the Club Wo...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueManchester United are close to finalising Bryan Mbeumo's transfer from Brentford. The two clubs have already agreed on the initial transfer fee and are now negotiating the add-ons that could take the overall amount of the transfer close to Brentford's £65 million ($87m) valuation of the player. The Bees expect to finalise the details o...
Christian Norgaard Arsenal 2025Arsenal have agreed an €11 million (£9m/$13m) deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford, per Fabrizio Romano. WHAT HAPPENED?Arsenal are keen to strengthen their central midfield options and have agreed a deal to sign Brentford's Norgaard as a midfield reinforcement. Jorginho has already confirmed his exit from the Emirates Stadium, while no new contra...
SL Benfica v FC Bayern München: Group C - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Veteran Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller dismissed complaints on excessive heat at the Club World Cup as he cited himself as an example, while stressing that professional footballers must adapt to all conditions. The German forward also dropped a hint on a possible move to the Major League Soccer once his Bayern Munich contr...
FBL-EURO-U21-ENG-NEDLiverpool fans believe Harvey Elliott has increased his value ahead of a potential move to Brighton after scoring twice for England's Under-21s.WHAT HAPPENED?Elliott scored twice in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship, as England beat the Netherlands 2-1. The Liverpool ace's first goal was a fine drive but his second was superb, as he slalomed through the Dutc...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 7 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 8 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 9 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 10 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal