On the eve of Armenia v Canada friendly, Canadian Sportsnet TV channel called Armenian team one of “budding football nations”.

In his article Thomas Michalakos recalled that since gaining independence, Armenia never qualified for a major tournament and “are normally considered a stepping stone for the more established national teams in UEFA.”

However, EURO-2012 qualifying round considerably changed the attitude towards the team “with Armenia becoming the predator instead of the prey and coming within 90 minutes of making history.”

Armenia v Canada friendly match is scheduled for February 29 in Cyprus.