The world has standards and it shows
Something is changing in the Cyprus National Team, evident not only from the results but also from the efforts of the players.
There is a significant contribution from Akis Mantzios.
The Greek coach has brought a… fresh perspective.
We see a National Team fighting until the final whistle, with players believing in themselves.
The image is clearly improved and, most importantly, more appealing compared to what we witnessed before the arrival of the former coach of Aris Thessaloniki.
Even though in their last official match, Cyprus suffered a defeat against Austria, a superior team and the top team in their group, everyone put forth their best effort, and this was recognized.
Instead of murmurs and criticism the following day, the media and fans began discussing the near future and when there would be official commitments again so we can see how far our representative team can go.
Interest has begun to rekindle, and there is once again enthusiasm for the National Team.
Clearly not to the extent that we all wanted and still want, but at least…
Something has “awakened” within us, and interest is once again “warm.”
The world has standards, and when you respect them and show that you are striving for the best, this will be acknowledged.
This has been happening recently, especially after the unjust away defeat to Austria by 1-0, but mainly following the two draws (2-2) with Romania and Bosnia respectively, while Cyprus was trailing 2-0.
People have slowly started returning to the stadiums and want to stand by the players regardless of who their opponents are.
This serves as a reward for everyone, but also marks the first successful bet for Mantzios, his players, and the Cyprus Football Association, hoping that the National Team’s presence in the group matches for World Cup qualifiers was just the beginning.
