Manucharyan's burning ambition

By Andrew Haslam in Belfast

Edgar Manucharyan believes Armenia's first-ever point in a finals tournament, won in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship against England on Wednesday, gives his country something to build on, both in this tournament and for the future.

Armenian sensation
Carl Lombe's late leveller earned Armenia an unexpected 1-1 draw against England and a fighting chance of reaching the last four in Northern Ireland. Although Samuel Petrosyan's team are bottom of Group B, victory against leaders France together with a positive result in Saturday's other match between Norway and England, will send Armenia through. Their captain, 18-year-old Manucharyan, is optimistic, telling uefa.com: "It is sensational to see Armenia in the final tournament, but we came here to compete, not just participate. We have one game left and we'll give our all to win that and, hopefully, qualify for the semi-finals."

First success
The striker insists that his side's success signals an improvement in fortunes for his country: "This is our first finals and it's so important for Armenia and Armenian football. This tournament is crucial for Armenia in all respects. It's our first footballing success since we gained independence, and gives us something to build on for the future so that we can compete with the big nations. Everyone back home is very interested in us, there is lots of coverage in the press.

'New generation'
"In Armenia, we have a new, talented generation who can perhaps have success in the future," continued Manucharyan, who scored eight qualifying goals including four in the decisive Elite round encounter with Hungary. "The Football Federation of Armenia has worked hard over the past couple of years, so we hope to achieve something significant in the near future. In two or three years we'll have a very good senior squad."

'Dream come true'
Having joined AFC Ajax from FC Pyunik on 1 July, Manucharyan – who is already a full international and scored against F.Y.R. Macedonia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in June – is probably his country's most famous current player, which is a source of great pride. "This is a dream come true for me," he said. "I began my career at a very young age - I was playing for the U17 national side when I was 15, so I was exposed to attention early and have learnt to cope with it. The pressure does not bother me."

Ajax acclimatisation
The 2004 Armenian Player of the Year broke a bone in his right foot while on trial with Ajax last December, but never lost faith. "Ajax had been watching me for two years, since I scored against the Netherlands in a European U17 Championship qualifier, so I knew they wanted me," he said. "I'm settling in quickly, there's a very good atmosphere in the team. It's new for me, but I'm enjoying it very much. Ajax are a big club - Pyunik are regularly champions of Armenia but there's a big difference between the two.

Time to move on
"With Pyunik, I won three league titles, two Armenian Cups and the Armenian Super Cup, so I feel that everything is done in Armenia," Manucharyan added. "Every player must go forward and wants new challenges, especially at a club as big as Ajax. I must train and work hard to succeed. I believe every one of my team-mates at the U19s is capable of playing at a high level in Europe, and I would be glad if some of them follow me. It will be very good for the progress of Armenian football, and that is what's important."