Neco Williams confident Armenia can aid Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification bid
Neco Williams is hoping for a favour from Armenia in Wales’ quest for European Championship qualification (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Neco Williams believes Armenia can do Wales a favour against Croatia and help them qualify for Euro 2024.
Wales’ automatic qualification hopes were taken out of their own hands on Saturday by a wounding 1-1 away draw to Armenia and Croatia’s 2-0 victory in Latvia.
Croatia will secure the second spot behind already-qualified Turkey by beating Armenia in their final qualifier on Tuesday.
Wales players appear dejected following their 1-1 draw away to Armenia in Euro 2024 qualifying (Zac Goodwin/PA)
But were Armenia to draw or win in Zagreb, that would leave the door open for Wales who would then take second place by beating Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium on the same evening.
“Armenia are a top team,” wing-back Williams said of opponents who have damaged Wales’ qualification more than any other by taking four points from them.
“They have got some very good players and, hopefully, they can do a job on Croatia like they did against us.
“We still have a chance because you never know what’s going to happen.
“It’s not in our hands and we have got to wait for the other results. There’s a lot of luck in football, and hopefully it will be on our side.”
Wales lost 4-2 to Armenia at home in June and they were shaken again within five minutes of the Yerevan return.
Lucas Zelarayan, who had scored twice in Cardiff, punished some sloppy Welsh defending and Armenia appeared in control until the final seconds of the first half.
But Wales were gifted a lifeline when Nair Tiknizyan headed Connor Roberts’ long throw in to his own net.
Williams said: “It was a tough game, end to end, and a lot of running.
“Both teams
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