retired_puly1364

6th of November 2005

Politis

Cyprus announced players for Wales and Algeria

Cyprus today announced the squad that will compete in two back-to-back home friendly matches. Tursk makes a mistake! Picks 23 players instead of 26.

"It's a bit weird. I thought I had completed the squad when I removed the injuried players from the previous list which I was planning to edit, but unfortunately I forgot to pick some replacements. I'm sorry for those players who I wanted to include," said Tursk about the hillarious incident.

"Though about Algeria and Wales. I've tried to do some homework and I know that Algeria, who we play first, has gotten Mourad Meghni to play for them starting from our game and we will certainly watch him closely," were the words of Estonian, who was in Cyprus suprisingly early instead of the usual three days before the match.

"It's obvious that I will try out some new players and won't play much for wins, but to see how can our whole squad face a team that may be fighting for that 2nd or 1st place. Eleven man can make it, but what my plan for next few years is that we've got one strong squad, not just one strong starting line-up. It will be hard, but not impossible."

"Algeria? They've got lots of talented players. Now we have to be espescially aware of the Meghni threat, but that's not all. It'll be hard fight and hopefully an even game."

23 players for Algeria and Wales

<A HREF="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Tanel1991/Okkas_Ioannis_100x130.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
Giannis Okkas</A> missing another national team game due to injury

12th of November (Matchday)

Starting Line-Up
Bench: Kyriakos Pavlou (Striker), Athos Angeli (S), Andreas Ioannidis (Midfielder), Konstantinos Makridis (M), Giorgos Nikolaou (S), Dimitris Daskalakis (Defender), Charalabos Charalabous (D), Athos Chrysostomou (Goalkeeper), Marios Themistokleous (M)

Phileleftheros

Cyprus suffers narrow defeat

Cyprus side was again unlucky againist stronger opponent and lost the match againist Algeria 1:2. The star of the show was Algeria striker Rafik Djebbour who grabbed his double with 16 minutes.

After he mentioned double, Cyprus grabbed the control and got over from the shock quite quickly and unfortunately, it was Algeria goalkeeper who now started to show his worth.

In the second half, the only time Algerian goalkeeper was beatten was by Marios Themistokleous beautiful long range free kick that was the first ever goal for Cyprus for the attacking midfielder.

"We played a good game, but in the end we can only curse ourselves for not using our chances. Though hopefully Giannis Okkas can prevent from falling down with injuries in future and we have got three great strikers to choose from," said manager Tanel Tursk.

"I'm very unhappy with my form lately and I obviously want to fix it as soon as possible. I'm failing to get into good positions and my shot is in accurate," said striker Giasemakis, who, before last WCQ qualifiers againist Ireland and France, had scored 7 goals in 3 games and had a slight chance to finish as the top scorer of the qualifiers.

Cyprus 1:2 Algeria
60. Marios Themistokleous

Player Ratings

retired_puly1364

15th of November 2005

Shmerini Online

Cyprus ready for a battle with Wales

Manager Tanel Tursk claimed the match between Wales and Cyprus a big battle between two even teams and to finish the football year of the national team in high note very important.

"It's about the matter of feeling to go to the new year, knowing that we've gotten a good result in the previous game. I doubt losing this game would help us think about how we will do in Euro 2008 qualifiers," said Tursk.

"Wales is in my eyes very worthy opponent to Cyprus and it will be a tough battle for both teams. The one who scores that first goal will have the mental advantage I think, but if it happens to be Cyprus, we will continue in our style of attacking and not go to get the win by defending."

"I will make changes in the team, because it's a friendly and not much is on sake here I think. One of the guys who may get a suprise game, may be Marios Themistokleous, since he did well with his minutes againist Algeria and scored a goal."

16th of November (Matchday)

Starting Line-Up
Bench: Kyriakos Pavlou (Striker), Athos Angeli (S), Kostas Kaiafas (Midfielder), Konstantinos Charalabidis (M), Nektarios Alexandrou (M), Dimitris Daskalakis (Defender), Athos Chrysostomou (Goalkeeper), Petros Filaniotis (M)

Politis

Cyprus finishes year with a draw

Cyprus today finished the year with a 1:1 draw in rare match in the Tsireion Athletic Center in Limassol. Cyprus goal was scored by Marios Themistokleous.

The match started with a slow tempo and until the middle of the first half, barely nothing was created. Though, there were some action during it, two of the Cyprus players, Giasemakis and Andreas Ioannidis left the pitch with injury.

The second half was a bit different, Cyprus holded the ball mostly and created some chances, but until 71st minute, nothing hand't gone in. Then Themistkokleous sent in a free-kick and justified the managers decision to give him a suprise start.

And as it seemed like it's Cyprus who is going to score a second, Ireland made a fast counter attack and 9 minutes after grabbing the lead, Wales made it 1:1 thanks to Mark Jones goal.

"The match was very good from Cyprus. I think we shouldn't have any regrets and again we showed our potential and that's without several first choice players," told Tursk to Politis, "Now we just have to wait for the UEFA draw and see what group we are in the Euro 2008 qualifiers."

"I'm happy to score my second goal in 4 days for Cyprus. I hope that helps me to get into the first choice call-up's and if it doesen't. I'll work even harder with the next chances. Cyprus played very well and we aren't afraid of anyone," said the goalscoring hero Marios Themistokleous.

Cyprus 1:1 Wales
71. Marios Themistokleous - 80. Mark Jones

Player Ratings

retired_puly1364

November/December 2005

U Cluj Monthly

Results:

5th of November - Divizia B3 - Week 14 - U Cluj 1:1 Olimpia S.M (16. Tiberiu Beceru)

19th of November - Divizia B3 - Week 15 - Gloria II 1:4 U Cluj (6. Tiberiu Beceru, 45., 55., 78. Dan Codreanu)

26th of November - Divizia B3 - Week 16 - Liberty S. 0:2 U Cluj (36. Dan Codreanu, 45. Dorin Goga)

3rd of December - Divizia B3 - Week 17 - U Cluj 3:0 Corvinul 2005 (14., 36. Gabriel Giurgiu, 32. Dorin Goga)

League Table

"Could've gone better, but otherwise, not much to whine"

During the two months we had just 4 matches as starting from that december match, we went on long holiday, where we have christmas and new years eve and many other things.

The match againist Olimpia S.M. was quite suprising to me. We had no creativity at all in the second half and funnily they seem to get good result againist the leading teams, but fail againist the same level ones according to their history. This time they put heavy pressure on us, which was followed by a goal.

Counting out that game, we had another great month, eventhough, with our class, I'd be more happy with 0 goals conceeded in the month like we did in September. Strikers have been classy this month. Espescially it's great to see Codreanu finding form.

We had some injury problems again, but those didn't affect our games too much. Goalkeeper Sergei Lepmets was out of the match againist Gloria II with a slight injury.

Though, I'm more than happy with what the table is showing. We've played quite amazingly and it's higely possible that we will finish the season with less than 10 goals conceeded and hopefully reach the 60-70 goals mark ourselves. 30 matches left, I think we can already announce "Divizia A here we come!".

Star:

Tiberiu Beceru, proved again why we should buy him permanently with classy runs on his wings and two goals

retired_puly1364

6th of December

Cyprus Journey

Tanel Tursk: "Are you in Monaco?"
Costakis Koutsokoumnis: "No, I'm in Zurich?"
Tanel Tursk: "Huh.... okay... how's the weather in Zurich?"
Costakis Koutsokoumnis: "It's the alps, it's winter.... it's cold obviously."
TT: "You aren't sitting outside obviously?"
CK: "Obviously I aren't. Why do you even ask about weather? Let's get down to business..."
TT: "Sure"
CK: "Our group is Holland, Croatia, Russia, Latvia, Bosnia & Moldova..."
TT: "I know sh*t about the last two... others a bit"
CK: "It ain't my problem... Now you can start following them..."
TT: "Who's first?"
CK: "Umm... let me check. 2nd of September it's Bosnia and then Latvia..."
TT: "Okay, when is Russia?"
CK: "11th of... don't remember the month...November I think."
TT: "Okay... I think we stand a small chance..."
CK: "If the strikers can score then surely..."
TT: "I'll work on it.."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Group ain't easy, thuogh we've shown a good fight againist teams like Russia, Croatia, Latvia, Bosnia & Moldova. Espescially the last 3 are beatable home and away. Russia and Croatia are problems, mostly I'm afraid of Croatia. Holland is mission impossible...

retired_puly1364

January 2006

U Cluj Transfers

OUT

I had been negotiating with several clubs for the future of Dorin Goga. The star striker, was becoming a hot prospect and after I saw that we're getting offers worth 150 000 English pounds, I decided to put the price tag at 250 000. I recieved one offer. It was from Poli Iasi and the star of the first half of the season was gone to the Divizia A. It wasn't an easy move, though it was better for the team overally in my eyes as that money allows me to make several transfers.

IN

The money of Goga transfer was put in use quickly. I was making several offers, I missed out on two players I badly wanted, and then had to pick players that are bit below the first choices/cost more.

Mihai Dina
"Proud to be part of the project."

Mihai Dina is one of the most talented youngsters of Romanian football. He is 20 years old and was just 6 months ago bought by Bihor from Universatitea Craiova. Now he moved to us. He is attacking midfield and I hope for him to be part of the squad for very long years. We paid 40 000 pounds for him

Roman Konecny
"I've got high ambitions with this club"

Roman Konencny is a 22-year old Slovakkia international, and became first player in this current squad to have an international cap. He is left-back from Artmedia and costed 100 000 pounds.

Piotr Wisniewski
"Here to bang goals."

Piotr is a striker who hopefully will fill up the whole left there from the departure of Goga. He is 23-year old and Polish, who came from Lechia Gdansk and costed just 26 000 pounds despite the good talent you have in that guy.

Tiberiu Beceru
"Happy to convince the manager and hit the permanent deal."

Tiberiu Beceru needs not much of introducion. He was here from the start of the season as we loaned him from Poli Iasi. Now we made the deal permanent and met with the 20k pounds release clause in loan offer. He is right winger/back.

Cosmin Bodea
"Hope my experience can be helpful."

Cosmin Bodea is an "temporary" centre-back, until we can get someone younger. He is 32-year old and we bought him for 22 000 pounds from FC Brasov, leaders of Divizia B1. He was hunted by several Divizia A clubs just lika Mihai Dina. He has got great abilities for defender and he will surely last for couple of more seasons.

retired_puly1364

2nd of February 2006

Cyprus Journey

Phileleftheros

Finally a full squad!

Cyprus could finally pick a full squad for the Estonia game including the return of Giannis Okkas and Michalis Morfis.

"It's been a hard year for me. I only managed to get 2 games for my club and 2 for my country, though hopefully 2006 will be a much better year," said striker Giannis Okkas who was out injuried for most of the first part of the season.

"I know that the weather will be nothing pleasing for our players, though I'd take that as I test of our abilities. It'll probably me somewhere near 0, so it'll be hard for people playing Cyprus and Greece, but hopefully they can handle it."

"Estonia was on the same level with us, before I took over, but now it seems like we should win this game," said Tursk.

"Who will start? I hope to give as much players a chance as possible. Themistokleous could be one of them," hinted Tursk that Marios Themistokleous may play at the attacking midfielder position once again after scoring 2 goals in previous two Cyprus matches.

25 Players Called Up For Estonia Match

Cyprus Schedule For 2006

8th of February 2006 (Matchday)

Starting Line-Up
Bench: Kyriakos Pavlou (Striker), Giasemakis (S), Andreas Ioannidis (Midfielder), Konstantinos Makridis (M), Nektarios Alexandrou (M), Athos Angeli (S), Iakovos Tsolakkidis (Defender), Athos Chrysostomou (Goalkeeper), Petros Filaniotis (M)

Typos

Freezing 3-1 win

Cyprus game out as 3:1 winners in the freezing weather of Estonia. Giannis Okkas, Michalis Konstantinou and Marios Themistokleous managed to score in -5 degrees cold.

The game started very lively and already after 30 seconds Cyprus was 1:0 up after Giannis Okkas who just had returned from injury made a great run through the Estonia defence and then giving Michalis Konstantinou the ball and the all-time top scorer made no mistake in converting.

19 minutes later Giannis Okkas made a perfect celebration to his come-back to the national team by scoring a goal himself and by the end of the first half, game was done by Marios Themistokleous, who scored his 3rd consecutive Cyprus goal. Again from set-piece, this time from penalty spot after a foul that had Sander Post sent off for.

The game itselef was very even, but in the end Michalis Morfis saves and Cyprus strikers better converting became decisive.

"It was a great win and our players managed to suffer the hard climate without suffering too much. It was great to see Okkas back and his presence was surely missed as he showed his importance with a great assist and a goal. We certainly started the year the right way."

"It felt great to score again. Hopefully I can keep myself from future injuries and we can do wonders in the Euro 2008 qualifiers," said one of the heroes of the match, Giannis Okkas.

Estonia 1:3 Cyprus
10. Andres Oper - 1. Michalis Konstantinou, 19. Giannis Okkas, 43. Marios Themistokleous

Sent Off: 42. Sander Post

Player Ratings

retired_puly1364

March 2006

U Cluj Monthly

Results:

1st of March - Divizia B3 - Week 18 - U Cluj 5:0 FCM Resita (20., 36., 42., 81. Piotr Wisniewski, 32. Dan Codreanu)
4th of March - Divizia B3 - Week 19 - CFR Tim 1:4 U Cluj (23. Piotr Wisniewski, 45. Mihai Dina, 50. Tiberiu Beceru, 87. Cătălin Petrescu)
11th of March - Divzia B3 - Week 20 - U Cluj 3:0 M. Lupeni (10., 61. Dan Codreanu, 90. og. Răzvan Ionut Cosma)
18th of March - Divizia B3 - Week 21 - Unirea 1:3 U Cluj (30. Dan Codreanu, 76. Cătălin Petrescu, 90. Gabriel Giurgiu)
25th of March - Divizia B3 - Week 22 - U Cluj 2:0 UTA (14. Mihai Dina, 79. Piotr Wisniewski)

League Table

"It's getting near!"

With March over, we are basically just two wins away from league title. One againist Unirea Dej and then we'll face Bihor. Everything went as we planned.

Our new guys were great. Espescially central defender Bodea, striker Wisniewski and attacking midfielder Dina.

I would've wanted to conceede less goals though, since midfield fell out of balance a bit due to the rest somehow, but I'll try to work on it after I've secured the title.

Matches were quite easy otherwise and only Unirea managed to give us some headache, but we overcame that easily. Though, too bad Wisniewski didn't continue his debut scoring since I was hoping for him to grab that top scorer place in the league, but I guess it's going to be a bit too hard mission.

Star:

Piotr Wisniewski, enjoyed a great debut and banged in some more during the month... did exactly what we asked him

retired_puly1364

It's hard to continue it here, since I've got some information on pictures and it takes a lot of time to write it down in different formats.

If you want to follow it, then:

Sortitoutsi

Also on www.throw-in.com & www.goal-kick.com

retired_milla0225

Tanel, this story is completly brilliant. Especially fond of the talent show idea, but didn't you know that the vast majority of talent show winners fade without trace when thrust out into the real world ? Don't think this is going to happen to you though !