Armenia-Kazhakhstan: though on penalties, but still a victory

Armenia suffered a 0-2 defeat against Hungary in their opening game of the Cyprus Football Association Eight International Tournament.   The two teams were evenly matched in the first half, but Hungary began to dominate as the match wore on in the Pafiakos Stadium in Pafos.

In the 64th minute, forward Imre Szabics broke the deadlock and Krisztian Lisztes doubled Hungary's lead a quarter-hour from the end.  

Armenia is participating in the friendly competition with the hosts Cyprus and Latvia, Belarus, Romania, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Hungary. The games are being staged in five cities on the island: Achnas, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Pafos.   Euro 2004 qualifiers Latvia overcame Kazakhstan 3-1, while Romania defeated Georgia 3-0 helped by two goals from Chelsea's Adrian Mutu. Cyprus were beaten 2-0 by Belarus.

Yesterday Armenia played against Kazakhstan. The full time ended in a draw 3-3. Galust Petrosyan (52nd minute) and twice Artavazd Karamyan (73rd and 80th minutes) scored in the Armenian team. Armenia won on penalties 3-2 and now on February 21 will play Cyprus for fifth place.

Other results: Romania-Belarus 2-0, Cyprus-Georgia 3-1, Hungary-Latvia 2-1. On February 21 in the final Romania will play Hungary. The same day Belarus will play Latvia for third place, and Georgia will play Kazakhstan for seventh place.