Article by Justin Gafiuc, Alexandru Tomuțiu – published Monday, September 08, 2025, 17:51 / Updated Monday, September 08, 20:52
The Cypriots have great confidence before the match with Romania, which will be played on Tuesday, September 9, in round 5 of the preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup.
Cyprus has 3 defeats in a row in the group, and Pieros Sotiriou (32 years old), the striker from Apoel, says that this series must end. “It's time to win,” he said. In the tour, Mircea Lucescu's “tricolors” imposed on his own land with a score of 2-0.
Pieros Sotiriou, before Cyprus – Romania: “It will be a difficult match”
“It will be a difficult match with Romania, we get to know each other well enough from the last game. We got a good match with Austria, the favorite of the group. I did not win, unfortunately, but I stayed with many positive things after this meeting.
This is why we put high hopes in the next games in the group. We grew up with Bosnia and Austria, there are parties that mobilize you, and with Romania it is time to win. I do not find it a weaker opponent than in the previous game. We found a balance with the new coach, so we are waiting with as many supporters as possible.
I had, indeed, three consecutive defeats, the atmosphere is not the best, but we go with confidence and the results will not be delayed, ”said Pieros Sotiriou, at the press conference.
After 4 matches played in the group, Mircea Lucescu's team ranks on 3, with 9 points. Cyprus is on 4, with 3 points. The leader is Bosnia, with 4 victories of so many possible, and Austria is on two, with 9 points.
The Apoel striker has 66 matches and 12 goals in the national team's shirt.
