Football Beyond Politics? Armenia vs Turkey in European Championship Qualifiers

I will never forget the first time I saw the Armenian national football team play in person. It was a chilly evening in Yerevan, and the team was facing off against the strong Ukrainian national squad in a crucial qualifying match. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans singing and chanting in support of their team.

The match got off to a rocky start, with Ukraine taking an early lead. But the Armenian squad refused to give up, and they fought back with all their might. I remember the thrill of watching as Armenia scored two incredible goals in the second half, drawing level with Ukraine, and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Until then, I had watched every match of the Armenian national football team on TV, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible experience of being in the stadium with thousands of others chanting and raving. It was as if we had all melded into one giant organism, unified in our support for our team.

Do I need to say that after the unforgettable experience, I became addicted to the stadium’s electric atmosphere and the crowd’s roar? From that moment on, I knew that I had to be there in person for every match of the Armenian national football team, and I have been a dedicated fan ever since. I always leave the stadium with a hoarse, broken voice from all the cheering and shouting, but being a part of such a passionate and dedicated community of fans is of course worth it.

Now, years later, the Armenian national football team continues to make strides on the international stage. With a talented squad of players and a dedicated coaching staff, the team has the potential to achieve great things. Let's take a closer look at their current standing and what we can expect from them in the future.

New set up, new coach, new hopes

Armenian football fans all over the world are ready for the upcoming qualifying round of Euro 2024, as the national team prepares to face off against Croatia, Wales, Turkey, and Latvia in their subgroup. The top two teams in each subgroup will advance to the final round. Despite the very tough competition as well as certain weak points in the squad such as the ever-present “goalkeeper problem” of the Armenian team, we must give our best to secure a spot in the final round of the tournament.

No doubt that Armenia will face tough competition from the subgroup opponents. Croatia, finishing third in Qatar 2022 (also in France 1998), and second in Russia 2018, is the undisputed favorite in the group, with a strong track record and a formidable lineup. Turkey, on the other hand, boasts a mix of fresh talent and experienced players, making them a challenging opponent. Wales has a highly athletic team; they are physically strong and capable of putting pressure on the opponents throughout the entire match. Meanwhile, Latvia is a defensively solid team that should not be underestimated.

Identifying our vision, tasks, and priorities

The Armenian national team has their work cut out for them, but anything is possible with a new coach at the helm and a talented roster of players. We must put all we have against our competitors and leave no stone unturned to achieve a positive result in every single game, each of which has the importance of a final for us. Easier said than done. Yet, Armenia has achieved positive results against all teams in our group, except for Turkey. During the qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup, we lost 0-2 to the Turkish team both at home and away. It is worth noting that the so-called football diplomacy, which eventually achieved nothing, started with the Armenia-Turkey match in September 2008.

Oleksandr Petrakov took charge of the Armenian national team only in January. With no friendly matches to test the team in action, the coach dives headfirst right away with the first official match of the season against Turkey. As you can guess, it was not an easy task for the football federation to find a coach willing to take on the responsibility of delivering good results in such circumstances.

Under the previous coach, Joaquín Caparrós, Armenia suffered a heavy defeat against Norway, losing 9-0 in March last year, followed by two home losses - 1-4 to Scotland and 0-5 to Ukraine. Despite having a huge potential, the Armenian team needs the right approach to effectively utilize that potential. We need an efficient and flexible strategy, not just one that looks good on paper, but one that actually works and brings points home. The sooner we acknowledge and embrace the fact that we need to begin from zero, the quicker we can rectify the situation.

Petrakov assumed his current role right after a challenging period as head coach for Ukraine. This experience has prepared him to manage a team under similar conditions in Armenia. Petrakov has arrived right away from his previous office, which gives him up-to-date knowledge of the prevalent football trends at the national teams’ level. His ability to handle pressure and adapt quickly will be key to achieving success with the Armenian team.

What is going on across the blurry line?

I decided to take the advantage of my short visit to Istanbul and interview a few local Armenians about the upcoming match.

I walked into a corner coffee shop and approached Arda, the owner, whom I happen to know since times immemorial.

“What do you think about the upcoming match?” I asked.

Arda smiled and replied, “I know it is a huge event. Although I am more of a basketball fan and a die-hard supporter of the Los Angeles Lakers. But this is going to be an extraordinary match, and I'll definitely watch it. I think it is going to be the only football match for the season I am going to watch, as a matter of fact. And, of course, I'm rooting for Armenia,” goes on Arda as if predicting my imminent question, “Hopefully, no one hears me saying that” he added, chuckling.

Arda believes that football can bring nations closer to reconciliation and predicted that Armenia would eventually prevail by one to nil.

Next, I met Karin, an IT specialist and environmental activist who was born and raised in one of the Armenian neighborhoods of Istanbul.

“What are your thoughts on the upcoming match between Armenia and Turkey in Yerevan?” I asked her.

“Sports should not be politicized. Nevertheless, nations take football very seriously, and every now and then, the game is used to let off steam” she says.

Karin also emphasized the importance of peace in the current hostile and over-politicized atmosphere between the nations and stated that a draw would be the only desirable outcome given the circumstances.

“I hope for either a 0-0 or a 1-1 result,” she added. “Even in sports between these two nations, peace and understanding are essential.”

Indeed, as the Armenian national football team takes the field, the hope is that it will be a peaceful event in the spirit of fair play. Yet, we hope it is going to bring Armenia victory.

Play with heart, leave it all on the pitch

As the Armenian national team prepares for the first qualifying match against Turkey, it is worth reflecting on the broader implications of this game beyond just the scoreline. Nevertheless, the focus should remain on football itself. Over-focusing on the political aspect can add undesirable pressure on the Armenian team and detract from their ability to perform to the best of their abilities. It is important for the Armenian players and coaching staff to maintain their focus on the game and execute their strategy professionally.

This match is not going to normalize the relationships or resolve the bitter issues between the two nations. As the host party, we also should ensure that the visiting teams feel welcomed and comfortable in the best traditions of professional sportsmanship. Moreover, it is an excellent chance for the Armenian national team to make a statement and show the world what we are capable of achieving. Under the leadership of newly appointed coach Oleksandr Petrakov, the team has the potential to surprise many and perhaps clinch a spot in the final round of Euro 2024. The road ahead will not be easy, as we will face tough opponents like Croatia, Wales, Turkey, and Latvia, but anything is possible with the right approach, strategy, and determination. So, let's unite behind the Armenian national team and cheer them on as they embark on this exciting journey, both on and off the field.