Armenia will face Portugal in a Euro 2016 qualifying match tonight. The Algarve Stadium, Faro hosts its first competitive Portugal international for ten years tonight with Cristiano Ronaldo seeking to set a new goal scoring record.
If he scores against Armenia he will bring his tally to twenty-three. His vital late winner against Denmark was his twenty-second goal in UEFA European Championship games, equalling a record held by Hakan Sükür (Turkey) and Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark).
Portugal’s all time leading scorer with fifty-one was also the youngest player to achieve a century of caps for his country at the age of 27 years, 8 months and 11 days, according to the Portugal News.
“Bernard Challandes’ Armenia may only have amassed one point from two games thus far, but with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in their ranks, another is possible. A side that has caused problems for the Seleção, having only narrowly lost 1-0 in Leiria and sharing the spoils at home during qualifying for Euro 2008, the much-improved Armenians will be confident of stifling the home side,” the Portugal Futbol writes.
Led by skipper Roman Berezovski, obstinate between the big sticks, the Dinamo Moskva shot stopper will be hard to beat. Having made his debut for his national side against Portugal 18 years ago, Roman is wary of the hosts.
“It will be very hard for us, but Portugal also endured much difficulty in previous games against us,” said the 40-year-old who is set to win his 91st cap. “These are intelligent and strong opponents, but we know how to play football ourselves.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Spartak Moscow sharp shooter Yura Movsisyan are back in the fold having recovered from knocks, with the side close to full strength, except for the absence of Aras Ozbiliz. Nonetheless, the Armenians’ attacking potency will keep Ronaldo and co. on their toes, as they will need to take their chances and watch their backs when on the back foot.
