Iceland ruin Armenia's perfect record

Iceland 2
Armenia 0

Iceland pulled off a 2-0 win over favourites Armenia to keep interest alive in the 2008 International Tournament before yesterday's concluding encounter between Malta and Belarus.

After consecutive losses to Belarus and Malta, Iceland left it until their last outing at the National Stadium to halt their winless run at the expense of Armenia who, having won their opening two matches, only needed a draw to ensure top spot.

Iceland scored their first goal of the tournament in first-half stoppage time. Receiving the ball inside the penalty area, Gunnar Thorvaldsson, who has earlier gone close with a near-post header, slid a short pass to Tryggvi Gudmundsson whose shot ricocheted off grounded Armenian goalkeeper Mayis Azizyan and into the net.

Armenia soon gained a clear edge over their opponents in terms of possession but Iceland kept composure and tactical shape to weather the pressure.

Midway through the second half, Levon Pachajyan summoned a powerful strike from the distance but Kjartan Sturluson, the Iceland goalkeeper, saved.

Armenia's task was made more difficult 18 minutes from time when Iceland doubled their lead.

Thorvaldsson, Iceland's best player, outfoxed the Armenian defence with a surging run into the area and curled the ball past Azizyan from an angled position.

Referee: Joe Attard.