In an impressive display of skill and team cohesion, Cyprus secured a convincing 2-0 victory over San Marino on March 21, 2025, during the opening match of Group H in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The match, held at the GSZ Stadium, saw the home team thrive as they took their first steps toward what they hope will be a successful qualification campaign.
The Cypriots opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Ioannis Pittas capitalized on a momentary lapse in San Marino’s defense. After stealing the ball, Pittas drove towards the goal and expertly placed a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo, sending the local fans into jubilation. This goal not only gave Cyprus the lead but also showcased Pittas' sharp instincts and attacking prowess.
As Cyprus maintained the pressure on the visitors, Andronikos Kakoulli doubled the lead in the 85th minute. Following a swift counter-attack, Kakoulli received a pinpoint pass from Ioannis Kosti and struck a powerful shot that nestled in the bottom right corner of the net. Kakoulli’s goal assured Cyprus of three critical points, while also establishing him as one of the standout players of the match.
Despite the loss, San Marino put up a commendable effort, with goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo making several key saves to keep his team in the match. His remarkable reflexes were on display throughout, particularly in the first half, where he thwarted numerous attempts from the Cyprus forwards. However, Colombo’s efforts were not enough to prevent the inevitable surge from the home team.
Cyprus' head coach, Apostolos Mantzios, employed a 4-3-3 formation that effectively utilized the strength of his players. The defensive line, composed of Nikolas Panayiotou, Christos Sielis, Anderson Correia, and Ioannis Kousoulos, worked diligently to shield the goal, while Giannis Satsias, Grigoris Kastanos, and Marinos Tzionis operated effectively in midfield.
San Marino, under coach Roberto Cevoli, opted for a 4-4-2 formation. Their strategy aimed to absorb pressure and look for counter-attacking opportunities. Despite their less aggressive approach, they occasionally threatened through Filippo Berardi and Nicola Nanni's attempts upfront.
The match, officiated by referee Andris Treimanis, saw its fair share of drama, including a yellow card issued to Valli Casadei of San Marino for a foul. Overall, Cyprus demonstrated both resilience and a keen strategic awareness, proving they are ready to contend in this World Cup qualification campaign.
As the match drew to a close, Cyprus held onto their lead without further incidents, allowing them to start their campaign on a positive note. The team now looks ahead to their next fixture against Bosnia-Herz., aiming to continue their winning ways while San Marino will prepare to host Romania as they seek their first points in the tournament.
With this victory, Cyprus not only gains three points but also climbs to the top of Group H. Meanwhile, San Marino finds itself at the bottom without any points, a challenging start for the visitors.
