Cyprus | VS
| Portugal |
| Date/Time: | Sep 2, 2011, 6:45 pm(GMT) |
| Competition: | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying |
| Live/Repeat: | Live |
| Venue: | Neo GSP (Strovolos) |
Cyprus vs Portugal Match Preview
As the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers resume, Group H favorites Portugal will remember that Cyprus held them 4-4 in Guimaraes almost exactly 1 year ago.
Cyprus gave Portugal a big headache in September 2010 by holding them to a 4-4 draw.
Had it not been because of their poor start under ex-boss Carlos Queiroz, Portugal might have enjoyed Spain and Germany’s status: a perfect run. But as things stand, the fighting must continue for Paulo Bento and his men who want to reach the finals of Euro 2012 without going through the playoffs.
Talking about the playoffs, it’s something Cyprus could consider. Finishing as runners-up in Group H is still a possibility, though a very slim one, for the Greek neighbors.
Cyprus have clinched only 2 points from 4 matches. Their current condition means that only a miraculous comeback would do.
So what are the Cypriots saying ahead of Friday’s crucial UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Portugal? Coach Nioplias told UEFA.com:
“Not being able to qualify does not mean that we do not have targets and we must not allow anyone to believe that. I have faith in my players and their potential and I want them to play with their hearts on their sleeves.
“We will be aiming for the best possible results in our remaining games in the group and to win back the fans—something which will put us in good stead for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”
Cyprus vs Portugal may not just earn experience points for the hosts. It could also remove the visitors from their first spot in Group H and thus deprive them from feeling a bit more secured ahead of the next match-days.
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and company will be out to assure everything remains fine for the Portuguese. Paulo Bento's man squad for the match goes as follows:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo, Quim, Rui Patricio
Defenders: Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Rolando, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Silvio
Midfielders: Eliseu, Andre Santos, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles, Ruben Micael, Miguel Veloso, Paulo Machado
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny, Helder Postiga, Hugo Almeida, Nani, Varela.
