Okkas mark lifts Cypriot spirits

Yiannis Okkas became Cyprus's most capped player on Saturday and the national team are hoping to see a few more records broken before the end of the 2008 UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign.

Proud achievement
Having played for Cyprus for a decade, RC Celta de Vigo forward Okkas made his 83rd appearance in the 4-0 defeat by Germany, eclipsing the record set by the former Apollon Limassol FC and AEL Limassol FC defender Pambos Pitta. "I cannot hide the fact that I am very proud," said Okkas, who has scored five times in Group D. "I have had the good fortune and honour to represent the national team for the last ten years and this means that I have been doing a good job."

Final reckoning
Cyprus have been doing an excellent job in qualification under coach Angelos Anastasiadis, and are already sure to finish the campaign with their highest qualifying points total - beating the total of 12 achieved for UEFA EURO 2000™. The 5-2 win against the Republic of Ireland is sure to be remembered as one of the best results in the island's history and, as they face the Czech Republic in Nicosia, they are hoping to finish outside the bottom two in a qualifying section for a first time. Currently fifth, a win could see them finish as high as third.