Ruben Dias: Armenia are quite dangerous team

By Lusine Shahbazyan

The Armenian national team are a quite dangerous team. Portugal and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias stated this at Friday’s prematch press conference in Yerevan.

Armenia will host Portugal on Saturday in the first round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"We are ready for tomorrow's match with Armenia. We had the opportunity to study the games of the Armenian national team with videos. Armenia are a quite dangerous team, they are able to make dangerous counterattacks. In particular, there are several players in the team who are able to create dangerous moments for the opponents. We are ready to withstand these counterattacks.

I can't say much about Armenian football. We have studied the team's games. I can talk about the [Armenian] national team, but I can't say much about Armenian football," Dias said.

Armenian reporters suggested that Portugal international Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident, be given a standing ovation in the 21st minute of Friday's match.

Ruben Dias expressed his gratitude, and said that his team would be grateful for the gesture.

Portugal will hold a prematch training session Friday at the Football Federation of Armenia Football Academy stadium in Yerevan.

The Armenia vs. Portugal match of the FIFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers will be played in Yerevan on Saturday and will kick off at 8pm.

Photo by Emma Asatryan