Football in Armenia
Encyclopedia
Football in Armenia is the country's
most popular sport. Armenia is currently ranked 59 and has had much success since its independence. Since gaining independence in 1991, Armenia
has had its own national association that takes part in all FIFA
competitions (Senior, Youth and Women's Football
). Ararat Yerevan were one of the leading teams in the top league in the Soviet Union
, often playing in European club competitions. A number of Armenian players played for the USSR national team
, including Khoren Oganesian
at the 1982 FIFA World Cup
and Eduard Markarov
in the 1960s. Markarov later became assistant coach of the Soviet Unions youth team, and was part of the coaching staff at the FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal
in 1991, when the team finished third.
is the national football team of Armenia
and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia
. After the split of the Soviet Union
, the team played its first international match against Moldova
on October 12, 1992.
A women's team
, an under-21 team
, an under-19 team
, and an under-17 team
also compete.
Armenia had its best run in any national competition during the UEFA Euro 2012 competition with the arrival of Yura Movsiysan, a prolific striker who played in the MLS, Danish Superliga, and the Russian Premier League.
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
most popular sport. Armenia is currently ranked 59 and has had much success since its independence. Since gaining independence in 1991, Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
has had its own national association that takes part in all FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
competitions (Senior, Youth and Women's Football
Women's football
Women's football can mean one of the following:* Women's Australian rules football* Women's American football* Women's association football* Women's rugby union* Women's rugby league* Ladies' Gaelic football...
). Ararat Yerevan were one of the leading teams in the top league in the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, often playing in European club competitions. A number of Armenian players played for the USSR national team
USSR national football team
The Soviet Union National Football Team was the national football team of the Soviet Union. It ceased to exist after the break up of the Union...
, including Khoren Oganesian
Khoren Oganesian
Khoren Georgijević Oganesian is a former Armenian and Soviet football midfielder, and a member of the USSR national football team. At the club level, he mostly played for Ararat Yerevan...
at the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
and Eduard Markarov
Eduard Markarov
Eduard Artyomovich Markarov is an Armenian football manager and former player. He is Jewish. He managed the Armenia national team in 1992-1994 period. He also played for the USSR national team, earning 3 caps and participated in the 1966 FIFA World Cup...
in the 1960s. Markarov later became assistant coach of the Soviet Unions youth team, and was part of the coaching staff at the FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
in 1991, when the team finished third.
National teams
The Armenia national football teamArmenia national football team
The Armenia national football team represents Armenia in association football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia, the governing body for football in Armenia...
is the national football team of Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia
Football Federation of Armenia
The Football Federation of Armenia is the governing body of football in Armenia. It organizes the football league, Armenian Premier League, Armenian national football team, and the Armenia women's national football team. It is based in Yerevan....
. After the split of the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, the team played its first international match against Moldova
Moldova national football team
The Moldova national football team represents Moldova in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Moldova, the governing body for football in Moldova. Moldova's home ground is Zimbru Stadium in Chişinău and their head coach is Gavril Balint...
on October 12, 1992.
A women's team
Armenia women's national football team
The Armenia women's national football team is the national football team of Armenia and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia...
, an under-21 team
Armenia national under-21 football team
The Armenia national under-21 football team is the youth football team of Armenia. The team is based mostly on the young players from the league and competes every two years in order to qualify for the European Under-21 Football Championship...
, an under-19 team
Armenia national under-19 football team
The Armenia national under-19 football team is the youth football team of Armenia. The team is based mostly on the young players from the league and competes every years in order to qualify for the European Under-19 Football Championship...
, and an under-17 team
Armenia national under-17 football team
The Armenia national under-17 football team is the youth football team of Armenia. The team is based mostly on the young players from the league and competes every years in order to qualify for the European Under-17 Football Championship...
also compete.
Armenia had its best run in any national competition during the UEFA Euro 2012 competition with the arrival of Yura Movsiysan, a prolific striker who played in the MLS, Danish Superliga, and the Russian Premier League.