Wales shocked by Armenia as Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland each lose
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ales‘ hopes of Euro 2024 qualification have been critically broken by a humiliating 4-2 defeat to Armenia in Cardiff.
Lucas Zelarayan and Grant-Leon Ranos each scored twice as Armenia – ranked 97 on this planet and 71 locations decrease than Wales – secured one of many best victories of their soccer historical past.
Daniel James had given Wales an early opener and Harry Wilson reduce the deficit to 3-2 after Armenia had seized management, aided by some actually determined dwelling defending.
But Armenia responded in model and Welsh distress was accomplished by the dismissal of Kieffer Moore, who was adjudged to have dedicated foul play by Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabadov after tangling with goalkeeper Ognjen Chancharevich.
Moore will miss Monday’s journey to Turkey that now takes on further significance for Wales after this setback.
It was a candy success for Armenia coach Olesksandr Petrakov, 12 months on after his Ukraine aspect have been crushed in a World Cup play-off closing in Cardiff.
Turkey helped their probabilities of beating Wales to qualification out of Group D after Irfan Kahveci’s Ninety fifth-minute purpose earned a 3-2 win in Latvia, seconds after the hosts had equalised.
Elsewhere, Giorgos Masouras left the Republic of Ireland‘s qualification hopes hanging by a thread as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat in Greece.
Olympiacos midfielder Masouras scored the decisive purpose in a victory for Gus Poyet’s aspect which leaves them with most factors from their opening two Group B fixtures and Ireland with none heading into Monday’s dwelling conflict with Gibraltar.
Defender Nathan Collins had earlier cancelled out Tasos Bakasetas’ Fifteenth-minute penalty to offer the guests hope, however in reality Stephen Kenny’s males, who had defender Matt Doherty dismissed within the dying seconds, have been out-played for lengthy durations on the OPAP Arena in Athens.
Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe have been heading in the right direction as France gained 3-0 at Gibraltar to keep up their good begin to qualifying in Ireland’s group.
Northern Ireland had a stoppage-time equaliser dominated out by VAR as a battling show went unrewarded in a 1-0 loss to Denmark.
Jonas Wind’s purpose early within the second half made the distinction in Copenhagen as debutant Callum Marshall noticed a dream purpose dominated out for offside after a assessment which took nearly 5 minutes.
The West Ham teen flicked the ball in after Jonny Evans headed on a free-kick, however there was despair when referee Daniel Stefanski ultimately signalled for offside after his colleague Tomasz Kwiatkowski took an age to assessment the footage.
Ukraine got here from two targets right down to win 3-2 in North Macedonia, who subsequent journey to England after the Three Lions claimed a 4-0 win in Malta.
Additional reporting by PA.