Tough group for Cyprus in EURO 2020 qualifying
The draw for the groups in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers took place today in Dublin, with Cyprus drawn into Group I with Belgium, Russia, Scotland, Kazakhstan and San Marino.
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From Pot 4, Cyprus were drawn into a tough Group I with Belgium, Russia, Scotland, Kazakhstan and San Marino. Belgium are a very familiar foe for Cyprus, being in the same group for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2016. Cyprus have never beaten Belgium in 11 meetings, 10 of which were losses. Cyprus have only played Russia 3 times, also never having beaten them.
Realistically, Cyprus will fancy their chances to finish 3rd along with Scotland. If Cyprus are to have any hopes of finishing in the top two of the group, which leads to a ticket to the Euro final, they will need to win all four matches against Kazakhstan and San Marino and take full advantage of their home ground against the group’s other teams.
It is expected that all home matches will be held at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia. This will be Ran Ben Shimon’s first full qualifying campaign in charge. The manager from Israel took over for Christakis Christoforou in July 2017, midway through the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
