Armenia Secures 2-0 Victory Over Latvia with Debut Goals from Harutyunyan and Gharibyan
Yerevan, September 26 – The Armenian national football team kicked off their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Latvia in Yerevan. The match, held yesterday, saw defender Georgy Harutyunyan and forward Artur Gharibyan net their first-ever goals for the national squad, marking a memorable occasion for both players and the team.
Gharibyan’s Dream Debut Goal
Artur Gharibyan, who made his national team debut in this match, had expressed his desire to score against Latvia before the game. His wish came true, as he found the back of the net, contributing to Armenia’s triumph.
– It’s clear that what I say doesn’t always come true, but I really wanted to score a goal, and I did. I’m very happy. I dedicated the goal to my wife, father, and grandmother; they were watching the game from the stands. Some of my friends were also there. I dedicate this goal to all of them,- Gharibyan stated after the final whistle, highlighting the personal significance of the moment.
The forward also emphasized the importance of the second goal in securing the team’s victory. – A 1-0 lead was very dangerous, so it was important to score the second goal. At 2-0, it became much easier. Latvia was very dangerous in aerial challenges, but our defenders played well and managed,- he added, acknowledging the defensive effort.
Harutyunyan Dedicates Winning Goal to Fans
Georgy Harutyunyan, whose goal proved to be the decisive one, dedicated his score to the fans who came to the stadium. The defender also shared his perspective on how the game changed after the opening goal.
– Those emotions cannot be described in words. I am very happy that I scored. I dedicate it to everyone who came to the stadium. The game was very difficult; the opponent defended with a low block. But we completely dominated the field, Latvia had few chances, and we often threatened their goal. After my goal, it became easier; the opponent started to attack more often and leave open spaces,- Harutyunyan explained, reflecting on the match dynamics.
Match Details and Upcoming Fixture
The match took place on September 25 in Yerevan. Armenia’s next fixture in the UEFA Nations League will be on September 28, when they host Montenegro at home.
Reactions from the Football Community
The debut goals have garnered attention within the football community. Roman Pavlyuchenko, a notable figure, commented on Artur Gharibyan’s debut, stating, – He has everything to become a top-class forward.- This sentiment underscores the promising talent displayed by the young Armenian forward.
Conversely, Balša Popović from Montenegro, Armenia’s next opponent, expressed confidence ahead of their upcoming match, saying, – I think we are stronger than Armenia; we are going to win.- This sets the stage for an intriguing encounter on September 28.
The Armenian national team’s strong start in the UEFA Nations League has generated excitement among fans, with hopes high for continued success in the tournament.
Source: https://sportaran.com/hy/post/garibyan-i-arutyunyan-rasskazali-o-pervyh-golah-za-sbornuyu-armenii/