Cyprus vs Montenegro Ratings and Match Report

Cyprus vs Montenegro Ratings and Match Report

By Stephen Kountourou

Under the guidance of new managerJohan Walem, Cyprus started one of the youngest squads they have ever put out, with the Belgian giving chances to a number of debutants in the hope to bring through a new generation to the Island nation. Both sides started the first ten minutes brightly with end to end chances both coming close. Montenegro came closest at the start of the fixture, nearly scoring a powerful header from a corner, only for it to go just wide. Kastanos was able to run through and cross the ball into the box for Cyprus' best chance of the first half but it was well saved. Cyprus continued to be dominated in possession at the half hour mark, but looked much quicker on the ball then their opponents. As half time drew closer, Cyprus were content to sit back and allow Montenegro to pressure them with the hope of winning back the ball and countering. The most controversial moment of the half was when Karo was brought down in his own box but looked as though he had handled the ball, but it was waved away by the referee to away sides dismay. The first half finished 0-0 with Montenegro probably feeling hard done by to have not been given a penalty.

With the introduction of Stefan Jovetic at the beginning of the second half however, Montenegro really piled on the pressure, and prevented Cyprus from getting into the game. It was the away side that struck first with substitute Joetic scoring the first goal of the night for the away side. Montenegro continued to press the home side and towards the latter stages of the second half were rewarded for their efforts with a second deflected goal off of Karo which was eventually given to Jovetic for his second of the night, signalling the game over for Cyprus. Montenegro then sat back and tried to hold their lead which they successfully did despite some late flurry of attacks for the home side. It was too little too late  and the match finished 0-2, a disappointing result for Cyprus but with some encouraging signs for the next match against Azerbaijan.

Without further ado, here are my ratings for Cyprus in this match.

GK Charalambos Kyriakides 6/10

Youngster making his debut in goal over more experienced, Anastasios Kissas and Neofytos Michael. He definitely made his opportunity to play count as the Omonia keeper was vital at stopping some of Montenegro’s biggest chances and keeping his side in the match. Was not at fault for either of the goals he conceded.

RB Minas Antoniou 5/10

Was booked for a pretty poor challenge and was caught out for Montenegro’s build up to the goal. In his defence he did not seem accustomed to play at right back but it was a night to forget for the AEL Limassol right midfielder.

CB Antreas Karo 4/10

Nearly gave away a penalty after looking as though he had handled the ball in the box, but luckily the referee saw nothing. Definitely looked uncomfortable at times when the opposing side attacked. Was unlucky to see a shot deflect off of him for Montenegro's second goal.

CB Kostas Laifis 7/10

Solid and reliable for the most part, the Standard Liege defender seemed much more comfortable at the back then his defensive partner but even he too got caught out at times by the away sides attacking threat. 

LB Christos Wheeler 7/10

One of the more solid performances in the Cypriot side. Was positive in attack and linked up well with more forward players, did give away a couple of silly errors, but caused a lot of problems for Cyprus’ opponents on the counter..

CDM Ioannis Kousoulos 5/10

Began the match comfortably in the holding role but once Montenegro brought on Jovetic he seemed to disappear from the game. Was out of his depth when the away side counter attacked

CM Grigoris Kastanos 7.5/10

Such an encouraging part of the Cypriot attack, made attacking runs and created good chances for his team mates, Did give the ball away a couple of times for their opponents to counter attack but definitely showed his talents tonight.

CM Marinos Tzionis 7/10

Was denied a great chance to score in the first half hour. Another debutant for his country, and at times it showed, with a few of his passes intercepted or going out of play. Another huge chance towards the end of the second half was squandered. The 19 year old can be excused however and will hopefully become a regular in the future and gain much experience from this game. 

LM Ioannis Pittas 5/10

Invisible for a large portion of the game other than a few moments of attacking threat, but generally the Apollon Limassol winger was anonymous.

RM Demetris Christofi 6.5/10

The most experienced player on the pitch and started as captain. The Anorthosis winger, was another part of the positive attacking threat off of the right hand side delivering a number of crosses into the box but to no avail. He was subbed off past the hour mark for debutant Loizos Loizou.

ST Marios Elia 6/10

Another new player in the starting line up was handed his debut, with Johan Walem preferring the Ethnikos Achna forward to the more experienced Pieros Sotiriou. Started the game brightly but struggled to break away and passed the Montenegro defence at times. Worked hard throughout and was subbed off towards the end of the game for Sotiriou.

Substitutes

Loizos Loizou 6/10

The 17 year old from Omonia made his debut also becoming the fourth player to get his first cap for his country, coming on for the more experienced Christofi in the 65th minute. Looked lively on his debut and definitely looks like a decent player for the future.

Pieros Sotiriou 6/10

The Astana forward came on with just over 10 minutes remaining. Had a weak shot easily saved but seemed sharp when he came on. Maybe should have been brought on earlier in the second half.

Andreas Avraam 6/10

Came on with a few minutes to go and was part of the late string of attacks from Cyprus as he attempted to create some chances to find a way back into the game. 

Manager

Johan Walem 6/10

I am going to be kind to Walem as it is his first match in charge of Cyprus as this is very much a working process. I give him huge credit for giving debuts to a number of younger players in an attempt to make this the norm, something Cyprus has been crying out for years. Despite this however I do think maybe one or two more experienced players in the starting Xi were needed in the side against an opponent with that much attacking threat. 

Hellas Football 

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