A terrible performance and a predictable result: Armenia U21 lost to North Macedonia

Armenia’s U21 national team suffered another defeat, losing 0–2 at home to North Macedonia U21 in Matchday 8 of the EURO 2027 qualifiers.

This loss marked the team’s 11th consecutive defeat in official matches — a worrying streak that highlights the depth of the crisis.

While in previous games Armenia showed solid performances, competed on equal terms with opponents, and often did not deserve to lose (including matches against Montenegro and Italy), this time there were almost no positives. The team looked weak in attack and failed to create real threats on the opponent’s goal.

It is worth recalling that in the first match against North Macedonia, Armenia lost undeservedly, just like in the game against Montenegro, while delivering one of their best performances against Italy. However, this time the team failed to reach even that level.

The team coached by Armen Gyulbudaghyants will play their next match on October 1 in Yerevan against Italy U21.

Notably, two senior national team players — Narek Hovhannisyan and Artur Askarian — took part in the match, having also played just two days earlier against Belarus.

Armenia U21 lineup:
Gor Matinyan — Mher Tarloyan, Petik Manukyan, Mark Avetisyan, Poghos Krmzian — Edgar Piloyan (46, Artur Askarian), David Hakobyan (77, Edik Vardanyan), Hamlet Sargsyan (65, David Kirakosyan) — Vyacheslav Afyan (46, Narek Hovhannisyan), Misak Hakobyan (78, David Harutyunyan), Araik Eloyan.

After 8 matches, Armenia U21 has not earned a single point. North Macedonia has 6 points — all of them collected in matches against Armenia.