2023 Armenia
Kapan, 21 October 2023
Kapan is the largest town in the Syunik region, not far from Azerbaijan and Iran.
The copper mine is the largest local employer.
The Armenians organised a great tournament. And had to lend us shirts.
Just like in Yerevan six years ago: seven games, seven defeats. But as by far the oldest team, still worthy of every honour. The high temperatures made us sweat heavily and gave our goalkeeper Daniel a decent sunburn – in October.
- Here are all the matches and all the goals.
Two suitcases went missing for days – unfortunately including the one with the shirts. That was to have tight-fitting consequences.
Everything tastes better in a nice bottle.
At Kapan’s Rhythm & Blues venue, a kind of station hall where generous portions are served from the depths of the room.
Exhibition hall at Tatev Monastery.
In work boots, helmets and high-visibility vests after the safety briefing. Slightly overdressed for what followed: an exposed view into the open-pit mine.
All teams in safety yellow.
An impressive view into the copper mine.
A lot of rock has been moved here, changing the landscape.
Finger food after the mine visit.
In front of the headquarters of ZCMC, the main sponsor. A miner, of course.
A very old small monastery called Vahanavank, built in the 10th century. A clergyman invites visitors to prayer.
The house speciality was fertility prayers. To this day, women and men come here to pray for children.
A largely very tired Lithuanian team – and Andreas.
Dinner in the Imperial Hall. Armenian specialities were served in the cosy triple sports hall with a light show and live music.
A colourful variety of interesting dishes.
Kapan’s stadium.
The day before the tournament, a second-division match was played. The German team watched and got to know the surroundings. Nothing was to be left to chance.
The weather on tournament day was outstanding.
Line-up under a blue sky.
The German team with the confidence that great triumphs require. Top from left: Jens Mickler, Andreas Klemm, Jan Schulte, Sebastian Trepper, Martin Wilger; bottom from left: Bernd Huck, Lars Burkschat, Daniel Schmitz, Ralf Klemm, Andreas Reichenau.
As always, a grab at the shirt before the match to intimidate the opponent. Here captain Klemmi gets hold of the sponsor’s logo – carefully making sure the referee isn’t looking.
View of the main grandstand, which to some extent consists of sunflower seed shells.
First on stage means: last place. Still, there were gifts from Dr. Davit Alaverdyan, chairman of the Armenian sports journalists.
Ralf Klemm hands out small gifts to every player.
The team from Kapan. Every plate cleaned – and the next day it was sunny and cheerful again.
Dr. Davit Alaverdyan organised the tournament perfectly.
The landscape in southern Armenia is fascinating.
And very varied.
Three in Yerevan.
The “Roman Warrior” statue.
Yerevan by night, like a postcard.
2024 Moldova