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Okkas reins in Cypriot euphoria

Yiannis Okkas was eager not to "get carried away with what we have achieved" as Cyprus prepare for their qualifiers against Germany and the Czech Republic.

Yiannis Okkas was eager not to "get carried away with what we have achieved" as Cyprus prepare for their final qualifiers against Germany and the Czech Republic.

Big challenges
The RC Celta de Vigo striker is hoping to recover from a slight knee injury for the games in Hannover and Nicosia on 17 and 21 November as Cyprus dream of a third-placed finish in Group D. However, he warned: "It is vital that we don't get carried away with what we have achieved so far. We need to have our feet firmly on the ground ahead of two very difficult games."

Strong campaign
Cyprus have been one of the unheralded overachievers in the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers, earning landmark wins against the Republic of Ireland and Wales as well as a 1-1 draw at home against Germany. Currently fourth, they could yet finish above third-placed Ireland, but the wrong results in their final games could also see them end their campaign second from bottom.

German efficiency
Cyprus coach Angelos Anastasiadis said: "The Germans will capitalise on any mistakes so we have to be wary of them. As far as we're concerned, we will try to take advantage of any errors the Germans make. I told the players that they have a huge challenge ahead of them and that they must rise to it. It is my hope that we continue to give our best in what has been a good campaign for us."

Cypriot records
Cyprus have already beaten a number of national records in the current campaign. Their tally of 14 points is two better than their biggest previous haul, in the qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2000™, and they have also beaten their previous best in terms of goalscoring by five goals, with 17 scored so far. They are now hoping to finish outside the bottom two for the first time in their history.

No secret
Apart from Okkas, Apollon Limassol FC midfielder Christos Marangos is the only other injury doubt for the Greek coach who has refused to speculate on his future. However, Okkas made no secret of his views, saying: "I want the coach to extend his contract and all of us players are behind him. However, at the end of the day he has to make the right choice for himself."

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