Cyprus BXL FC lose 1-3 to Sweden and are out of the Cup

Second consecutive defeat for Cyprus BXL FC last night, this time for the Presidency Cup against Sweden. Cyprus lost 3-1 to a generally better team, and has been knocked out of the competition. It was a tough night for the Cypriots last night, who were forced to reconsider one of their primary objectives for the season.

That said, one cannot help but wonder what could have been had Cyprus played last night with a full squad. Depleted with injuries for a second game in a row, missing 5-6 key first-XI players, Cyprus BXL FC fought stoutly on the pitch, but was finally overrun.

The first half was a barren affair, with the Cypriots ceding territory and possession to the Swedes and trying to strike on the counter. Their tactic worked well as Sweden did not manage to produce chances from open play, bar a couple of long range efforts and some threats from set-pieces. Cyprus was not however having one of its most creative nights, as it only managed to go forward twice towards the end of the half, and without really becoming threatening.

The second half was a different story , as the Swedes managed to prize open the Cypriots’ defence, scoring three goals in the space of 5 minutes and putting the game away for good. Two goals came from headers after long-range throw-ins by the Swedish captain, and the third was an unlucky own goal from Dellopoulos.

Cyprus BXL FC managed to get one back with Papoutsas 10 minutes before time, reinvigorating its interest in the game. In the remaining time, it went forward more forcefully, and created at least two more scoring opportunities which were not converted. The final whistle found Cyprus out of the Presidency Cup, and Sweden celebrating a deserved win that takes it to the round of 16.

Man of the match for last night goes to goalkeeper Panikos Anastassiou for some brilliant saves, some of which with characteristic self-sacrifice in the face of danger. Called in at the last moment to replace injured Gogakis, Panikos played one of his best games in recent seasons. Papoutsas, Telemachou and Dellopoulos also put in very good performances, as did Formosa in right back and defensive midfield.

Cyprus BXL FC now concentrates its efforts in the League games, whose intensity and difficulty are bound to pick up as we advance towards the end of the regular season. It still has all to play for, as it is in 5^th place and in a very good stead to aim for those advantageous top-4 positions. It needs to take stock of the last two unsuccessful games and regroup to find again the conviction and enthusiasm it brought to the pitch up until a few games back.

Starting XI: Anastasiou, Formosa, Dellopoulos, Telemachou, Antonakopoulos, Orphanides, Papoutsas, Voudouris, Georgakoudis, Leontiou, Rossides

Subs: Tsangaris, Gogos, Louka

Next game for Cyprus BXL FC is against the UK on March 15.