Armenia remain in the hunt

Armenia revived their chances of reaching the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs as a first-half goal from Tigran Gharabaghtsyan proved enough to defeat Norway in a Group 1 fixture in Yerevan.

Final fixture
The result left Samvel Petrosyan's side level on three points with Bosnia-Herzegovina – who had beaten the Armenians 3-2 in the section's first fixture last month – with the match between Norway and the Bosnia-Herzegovnians to come on 6 September. The latter need a point to progress to the play-offs, while Armenia will qualify should Norway win by one goal.

Opportunist Karabagtsyan
The home team had a number of early opportunities at the Republican stadium with Artur Yedigaryan missing the target when well placed, but the breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Boris Melkonyan's pass gave Alexander Petrosyan an opening and, although Rune Jarsyein parried, Karabagtsyan was on hand to put away the rebound.

Norwegian opening
Samvel Melkonyan then headed wide, but Norway had chances of their own, Magnus Myklebust twice being crowded out while Alexander Tettey tried his luck from distance on several occasions without success. Tomasz Sokolowski shot over for the visitors after the break before Myklebust hit the post from close range after a great cross from Tore Reginiussen. Armenia held out, however, and must wait and see whether they will be involved in the play-off draw on 8 September.