Wales Euro 2024 hopes hit by Armenia draw

Lucas Zelarayan's early opener was cancelled out by an own goal from Nair Tyknizyan just before half time, and Rob Page's side were fortunate to hold onto a share of the spoils during the closing stages as Armenia pushed for all three points.

A draw suits neither team, each being left to depend on Croatia's final two results in Group D, and Wales will now need to beat Turkey on Tuesday to retain any chance of qualifying in second place.

In a game where Wales needed to win to keep their fate in their own hands, they made the worst start, conceding after just five minutes as Lucas Zelarayan converted low into the bottom corner after the visitors had failed to clear a corner.

Although Wales became more of a threat as the first half progressed, Armenia looked more likely to add a second, with Vahan Bichakchyan going close to doubling their advantage.

However, there were times when Wales' superior quality came to the fore - Harry Wilson seeing their first shot on target well saved - but it took a moment of good fortune to get back on level terms.

From a long throw, Joe Rodon was the target, but it was Nair Tyknizyan who could only head into his own net from eight yards out.

Rob Page took the decision to introduce Brennan Johnson at half time, but it was Armenia who looked by far the better team immediately after the break.

On the hour mark, Bichakchyan drilled a venomous effort off the underside of the crossbar, Zelarayan somehow sending the rebound over the crossbar from close range.

Wales held in there, Jordan James trying his luck at the other end with a testing 20-yard strike that was saved, while Neco Williams sent a drive marginally over from the edge of the box.

With both teams ideally requiring a victory, the game descended into an end-to-end contest, Armenia sending several shots off target and Kieffer Moore seeing a header diverted away by the goalkeeper.

Back up the other end, Danny Ward was required to make a brilliant save to deny Edgar Sevikyan in the final minute of added-on time, the same player then dragging a glorious opportunity well wide shortly afterwards.

Unless Croatia fail to defeat both Latvia and Armenia, Wales are likely looking at a playoff spot in March, an outcome that is undesirable yet one which Page's side will likely have to accept.