Armenia climbed 40 places in FIFA Rankings in 2010

PanARMENIAN.Net - Vardan Minasyan was appointed chief coach in February, to head the national team through 7 matches, 3 of which ended in a victory.

Armenia played 3 friendly matches, beating Uzbekistan and losing to Belarus and Iran.

The UEFA EURO 2012 qualification round stated for Armenia with a match against Ireland. Despite the tension that fettered the team at the beginning, gave way to a confident and stubborn struggle. Armenian players were quick and active but let through a goal in the 76th minute, to end the match 0-1. Three days later Armenia tied a match v Macedonia in Skopje, winning the first point in the round.

The triumph came in the match against Slovakia, when Armenia took the initiative to score a 3-1 victory, and was crowned in a match v Andorra.

Thanks to these victories, Armenia finished the year 2010 in the 3rd place on Group B with 7 points to rival Russia, the Group leader, in 2011.

FC Puinik midfielder Karlen Mkrtchyan was named the best footballer. Vardan Minasyan was announced the best coach.

Players sharing impressions

Forward Edgar Manucharyan says that the match against Ireland was the hardest. “Many think that we will not be able to overcome the qualification round but I disagree. The most important task is to show good football in the matches against Russia.

Gevorg Ghazaryan thanks the fans for strong support. “We will do our outmost to justify their expectations,” he says.

Fullback Artak Yedigaryan doesn’t like to make forecasts but promises to do his best for his team to play in 2012 European Championship. “We took a good start and will continue the same way,” he is confident.