Cyprus coach demands more effort

CYPRUS coach Angelos Anastassiades has called for greater commitment from his team to scupper Ireland’s World Cup hopes.

“This match is very important after the bad result against Switzerland, I was depressed by the way we lost 3-1,” said Anastassiades.

Cyprus have played poorly in the competition and their under fire Greek coach is demanding more effort from players who are star names in the Greek league.

“We face the same problems in this match. We are a team with nothing to aim for and it’s hard getting the message across that we need to win at whatever the cost. The team who wants to win the most usually does,” added Anastassiades.

The Group 4 also-rans will have a big say in who qualifies as they play group leaders France in the final round of matches on October 12.

Their only points have come against Faroe Islands, with an away win and a draw at home. They lost 3-0 in Dublin.

An estimated 15,000 Irish fans are due to attend the game at Nicosia’s 23,000-capacity GSP stadium, making it feel like a home game for Ireland.

Cypriots, not known for passionate support of their national team, are expected to stay home and watch the crucial tie in Group 2 between Denmark and Greece which kicks-off during the Cyprus game.

Cyprus will be pinning their hopes on strikers Michalis Constantinou and Yiannakis Okkas, who have been in impressive form for Greek league leaders Olympiakos Piraeus.

Anastassiades has been criticised for not picking any players from the leading Cypriot team, Omonia, the equivalent of having no Chelsea players in the England squad.

However the coach is unrepentant.

“From the first day I came to Cyprus I said those who sweat and respect the shirt will play for the national team,” he said.

Only three points separate the top four with the Swiss and France on 16 points, Israel 15 and Ireland on 13.