Cyprus will kick off their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign with a trip into hostile territory as Nicos Nioplias side meet Albania on September 7 next year.
Cyprus, who endured a dismissal EURO 2012 campaign in which they picked up just two points, have been in pitted alongside Albania, Iceland, Slovenia, Switzerland and Norway. Cyprus faced Iceland and Norway in their previous qualifying group losing twice to the Norwegians (2-1 and 3-1) whilst the island also failed to impress against Iceland – a 0-0 draw in Cyprus was followed by a 1-0 defeat in Reykjavik.
Cyprus will begin their campaign in Albania with the last meeting between the two sides a couple of years ago ending in an embarrassing 6-1 friendly defeat which spelled the beginning of the end for former coach Angelos Anastasiades.
Cyprus will then take on Iceland at home on September 11 followed by games against Slovenia (away) and Norway (home) in October.
Nioplias’ side is currently going through a transitional period with a handful of players set to retire as the former Panathinaikos and Greece Under-21 boss attempts to rebuild a side with young players struggling to get first team football at their respective clubs.
The schedule was decided at UEFA Headquarters in Zurich. Cyprus FA Vice Chairman Haris Loizides, National Teams Manager Adonis Procopiou abnd Nioplias attended the draw in Switzerland.

September 7, 2012: Albania-Cyprus, September 11, 2012: Cyprus-Iceland, October 12, 2012: Slovenia-Cyprus, October 16, 2012: Cyprus-Norway, March 22, 2013: Switzerland-Cyprus, June 7, 2013: Cyprus-Switzerland, September 6, 2013: Norway-Cyprus, September 10, 2013: Cyprus-Slovenia, October 11, 2013: Iceland-Cyprus, October 15, 2013: Cyprus-Albania

Cyprus Weekly