Cyprus hoping to bounce back
Friday, April 25, 2003
Article summary
Momcilo Vukotic has called for a strong defensive display after naming his Cyprus squad to face Israel.
Article body
Italy venue
The Cypriots are looking to bounce back after losing 4-1 against Slovenia in their last Group 1 match earlier this month. Cyprus are level on four points with Israel in the standings, though their opponents next Wednesday are one place better off above in third position. While Israel are the home side, the game will be played in Palermo, Italy because of the security situation in the Middle East.
Improvement wanted
Vukotic is particularly keen to see his side improve in defence as they have conceded eight goals in four qualifying matches. "We have problems with our defenders, we let in very easy goals," he said. "We have made progress, but we must bear in mind that we will pay for our mistakes.
Tired squad
"It will be a difficult game because our players are tired but we want to put on a good show and get a positive result. I think we have forgotten about the defeat by Slovenia and everything that happened after the game. Our target is to go and fight for a result."
Cyprus squad
Panagiotou, S Konstantinou, Theodotou, Konnafis, N Nicolaou, Daskalakis, Okkarides, Philipou, Kaiafas, H Nicolaou, Tomic, Charalambides, Michael, Germanos, Engomitis, Neophytou, M Konstantinou, Okkas, Yiasoumi.
