Cyprus coach Nicos Nioplias has described Tuesday night’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Iceland as “a final” with his side desperate to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Albania last week.
The 3-1 loss to Albania on Friday saw the island start off their qualifying campaign on the wrong foot and will now need to be beat Iceland not to fall too far behind the leaders.
Nioplias’ biggest concern will be the absence of goalkeeper Antonis Giorgallides who was suffered a knee injury and was replaced at halftime in the game against Albania.
His replacement in that game, Anorthosis’ reserve keeper Christos Mastrou, endured a horrid debut in that game – racing off his line only to be caught stranded for Albania’s second goal while the other he conceded again saw him caught off guard after he was beaten with a 25 metre strike.
Cyprus had faced Iceland in the previous qualifying campaign for EURO 2012 losing 1-0 in Reykjavik before being held to a 0-0 draw at home.
“For us, this is game is crucial”, said Greek coach Nioplias. “It’s like a final for us. If we don’t win, this game, we will lag behind in the group. We need to win at whatever cost and if we play good football in the process, then even better.”
Speaking about whether his players can handle the pressure of needing to win to stay in qualifying contention, the former Panathinaikos boss said, “We need to avoid being nervous. We need to be patient but to also be careful because we are playing against a very good opponent with players in very good physical condition. We also shouldn’t forget that the Icelanders will be coming to Cyprus on a high following their recent win over Norway. That makes them even more dangerous opponents.”

Cyprus Weekly