Cyprus BXL FC held to frustrating 0-0 by Finland

The winning streak of Cyprus BXL FC came to an end last night after a goalless draw with Finland at the ISB. The Cypriots had the upper hand for most of the game, but didn’t manage to exchange dominance and possession with goals.

Cyprus BXL FC controlled the game throughout the first period, strategically waiting for the Finns in its own half, and

easily regaining possession as its opponents had trouble holding on to the ball. It created 3-4 clear chances that were not converted, including a shot that was deflected onto the post after a corner.

The second half was more even, Cyprus BXL FC creating fewer scoring opportunities, and Finland gradually asking to regain initiative. As time was passing the Cypriots looked less threatening up front even though they were clearly demanding more from the game than the Finns. Finland continued to lack fluidity and conviction going forward, so the Cyprus defense cleared dangers relatively comfortably.

The Cypriots cut very frustrated figures at the final whistle. This was a game they felt should have been theirs. As Coach Nikolian mentioned "We should have won the three points. We could have had three in the first half. We should use this result as a wake-up call, three wins early in the season mean nothing: we need to maintain our focus". 

What seemed to be missing from the Cyprus side today was that spark of inspiration, and a touch of luck (especially in the first half). They came agonisingly close to getting their first during that period, which could have changed the course of the game, much like their previous appearance against France, which ended 3-0. In the second half they seemed to be missing the focus on results they had in their first three games, wasting many developing opportunities with actions that seemed to lack maturity and clear thinking.

On the plus side, this was their third consecutive clean sheet, in a season where they have so far only conceded one goal in four games. The Dellopoulos-Telemachou defensive duo, accompanied by G. Leontiou and Formosa on the wings is so far performing wonders in the back, which was the team’s Achilles heel last year.

Goalkeeper Gogakis had to be substituted in the second half with a twisted ankle. 

Starting 11: Gogakis (Panikos), Formosa, G Leontiou, Telemachou, Dellopoulos, Papoutsas, Alexoui, Rossides (Yiangoudakis), Voudouris, Georgakoudis (Antonakopoulos), Anastasiades

Cyprus BXL FC plays its next official game for the BXL Euroleague on November 15 against Germany at the ISB.