Cyprus take on the visitors Northern Ireland in the round 2 match of League C in UEFA Nations League. The match will be played on Sunday, June 5th at AEK Arena (Larnaca).
Cyprus hasn't really been able to show anything worthy for a long time. "Islanders" in words trying to position themselves as a contender for high places. But so far, I have never been able to play anywhere, neither at the World Cup, nor at the Euro. And in last year's qualification, where we again had to meet with Russia, there was only 1 victory and 5 points in 10 fights - as a result, Cyprus was ahead of Malta in the dispute for the penultimate place in the group only by additional indicators. Even in the League of Nations, it was not possible to demonstrate something solid: both times they hustled in Division C. Moreover, the "registration" in March had to be maintained through the playoffs with Estonia (0-0 away, 2-0 at home). Now there the draw began with the hosting Kosovo and they lost at home, 0-2.
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Northern Ireland is not as dangerous now as it was under O'Neill. "White-green" under the previous mentor even managed to get to Euro 2016. And there, having won against Ukraine, they even went to the playoffs of the tournament. Moreover, in the next qualification there were also good statistics, but there was no chance to beat Germany. And in the playoffs, Switzerland scored the only goal in 180 minutes of struggle. After that, the manager left, and the team gradually lost momentum. Under the current manager, Baraclow, a place in Division B of the League of Nations was lost. And in qualifying for the World Cup, they took only 9 points in 8 matches, and 3rd place, with a huge gap between Italy and Switzerland. Nevertheless, everyone understands that the current mentor is squeezing almost the maximum out of what is possible, so Ian remains in office, and the list of players is virtually unchanged. But to start a new cycle from 0-1 at home with Greece is a clear setback.
Teams played against each other half a century ago number of times in the 70s of the twentieth century. Recently there have been only 2 friendly matches, in 2002 and 2014, and both times they ended in goalless draws. Teams are playing that failed to start the League of Nations. Of course, everyone wants to improve, but will there be enough strength and class? Everything will be decided by the first goal, if it is - we are expecting "less than 2.0 goals”.
Prediction for the match: Under 2.0 scored goals.