YEREVAN (ETaiwannews)–Armenia beat Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, the hosts’ first victory in two years.
The home side dominated possession and Hovhannes Goharyan opened the scoring for Armenia from a rebound in the 22nd minute. Sargis Hovsepyan then doubled the lead with a low left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 50th.
The visitors failed to produce a single shot on goal in the first half. Daniel Van Buyten scored a consolation goal for Belgium in extra time, converting a cross from Maussa Dembele.
It was Armenia’s first victory in a competitive match since beating Poland 1-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier in June, 2007.
Armenia is bottom of Group 5 with 4 points from 8 games. Belgium is fourth with seven points.
Armenia next hosts group leader Spain on Oct. 10 while Belgium takes on Turkey.
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Lineups:
Armenia: Gevorg Kasparov, Sargis Hovsepyan, Hrayr Mkoyan, Robert Arzumanyan, Aghvan Mkrtchyan, Artur Edigaryan (Eduard Kakosyan, 87), Ararat Arakelyan (Karlen Mkrtchyan, 14), Artavazd Karamyan, Arman Karamyan, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hovhannes Goharyan (Eghya Yavruyan, 31).
Belgium: Jean-Francoius Gillet, Timmy Simmons, Daniel Van Buyten, Olivier Deschacht, Steven defour, Igor De Camargo, Wesley Sonck (Roland Lamah, 80), Moussa Dembele, Gill Swerts, Maarten Martens (Tom De Sutter, 52), Kevin Mirallas (Eden Hazard, 70).
paserov….paserov
Congratulations Armenia. Job well done. Now its time to beat the Turkish team.