Armenia Offered Three Million Euros to Reach Euro

Armenian football federation president Ruben Airapetyan has promised the national squad a three-million-euro bonus if they secure qualification for the Euro-2012 finals, local media reported Friday.

After eight of their 10 qualifying matches Armenia sit third in Group B on 14 points, one behind the Republic of Ireland and three behind leaders Russia. Slovakia are fourth, also on 14 points.

Airapetyan said: "Our team now has a real chance to secure qualification for the Euro. They will receive a three-million euro bonus in they make our joint dream come true."

Armenia head coach Vardan Minasyan refrained from making any comments about the bonus -- to be shared between the squad -- but believes Armenia are firmly in contention to make the 2012 showpiece in Poland and Ukraine.

"There are four teams with serious chances of qualifying at the moment in our group," Minasyan said. "I believe Armenia have just as much chance as reaching the Euro as the other contenders."

Armenia, who started their qualifying campaign with two home defeats (1-0 to Ireland and 2-0 to Russia), have bounced back with four wins in later matches, including two unexpected wins over Slovakia.

Armenia midfielder Levon Hayrapetyan said he had a feeling that his team have "a real chance" of taking the runners-up spot in the group.

"We believed from the first minute that we could win the match at Zilina," said Hayrapetyan. "Before the game we never thought that we'd win 4-0 but we always believed we could win.

"Now, after this win, there is a real chance (of qualifying) for us and we have to be focused for our next game."

Armenia next face Macedonia at home on October 7 before winding their campaign up with a trip to Dublin to face Ireland four days later.