In a fiercely contested Cup match, Araz Nakhchivan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Zira FK, with the decisive goal materializing just after the break. The goal, struck early in the second half, set the tone for Araz’s strategic dominance. While both teams displayed commendable resilience, Araz's ability to convert one of their limited opportunities proved pivotal.

Defensively, Araz showed remarkable discipline, effectively managing the game without succumbing to offside traps—a stark contrast to Zira, who were caught offside twice. The strategic positioning allowed Araz to maintain pressure and coherence in their attack. Zira’s defensive structure, although robust, was slightly let down by their inability to spring a successful offside trap, highlighting a need for tighter coordination in the defensive line.

The midfield battle was intense, with aggressive play leading to five yellow cards between the sides, three of which were awarded to Zira. The flurry of bookings in the second half reflected increasing desperation from Zira as they attempted to regain control. The card distribution underscored a match dynamic where tactical fouls became a necessity for both teams to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, albeit an approach that contributed to Zira’s defensive inefficacies and hindered their counter-attacking potential.

Corner kicks were almost evenly split, with Araz having a slight edge at four to Zira’s two. This advantage, albeit marginal, was a testament to Araz’s slightly superior ability to exert offensive pressure and create set-piece opportunities. Through effective set-piece management, Araz managed to reinforce their territorial advantage. Zira’s failure to capitalize on their fewer corners highlighted a missed opportunity to challenge Araz's defenses more aggressively.

In conclusion, Araz Nakhchivan's disciplined defensive approach, coupled with effective utilization of limited attacking opportunities, secured their victory. Zira FK's undisciplined play, reflected in a higher foul count and offsides, left them vulnerable, illustrating the fine margins that define competitive football at this level.

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