Armenia avoid basement finish

Armenia dominate
Andorra's best campaign to date, which had included a first competitive win against F.Y.R. Macedonia, had brought them five points, and they needed only a draw today to avoid finishing last. But Armenia, who won the home fixture 2-1, had other ideas and Romik Khachatryan and Karen Aleksanyan dominated in midfield against a defensive home formation.

Own goal
The visitors were attacking down the wings, and Khachatryan fired a shot across goal before Valeri Aleksanyan went close following a corner. With six minutes left in the first half Armenia struck, Egishe Melikyan crossing from the left and the luckless Óscar Sonejee turning the ball into his own net.

Lead doubled
Before half-time Andorra were down to ten men, Ildefons Lima dismissed for dissent. With an extra player Armenia tightened their grip on the game and Ara Hakobyan had a shot saved before his brother Aram made it 2-0, converting Hamlet Mkhitaryan's cross on the half-volley in the 52nd minute.

Victory sealed
Ara Hakobyan got on the scoresheet ten minutes later with a good run and shot from the edge of the area. Armenia did not add to their lead despite some intricate moves, but ended their campaign on a high as both countries now look towards the UEFA EURO 2008™ draw on 27 January 2006.