On This Day: Cyprus Held World Champion Italy to a Draw in 1983

On February 12, 1983, Cyprus hosted then-World Champion Italy at Tsirio Stadium in a qualifying match for the 1984 European Championship. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Cyprus took the lead with a goal by Nikos Mavris in the 47th minute, while Italy equalized with Graziani in the 58th minute. The Cyprus national team, coached by Vasil Spasov, earned their first point in Group 5.

The Cyprus lineup was: Andreas Constantinou, Nikos Patikis, Giorgos Kezos, Nikos Pantziaras, Kleitos Erotokritou, Giannakis Yagoudakis, Lefteris Kouis (46' Neophytos Tsoukkas), Andros Christodoulou (83' Lakis Karseras), Takis Mavris, Fanis Theophanous, Giorgos Savvidis.

Source: cfa.com.cy