As Cyprus prepares to face Serbia in a friendly match on the 25th of March, 2024, at the AEK Arena - George Karapatakis in Larnaca, both teams look to solidify their strategies and squads ahead of their respective upcoming competitions.
This encounter is more than a mere friendly; it's a critical part of their preparations, with Serbia eyeing success at Euro 2024 and Cyprus aiming to rebound from a tough qualification phase.
Current Form
Cyprus Team Form
Cyprus has been on a quest to overcome their challenges, having endured a tough Euro 2024 qualification campaign where they failed to secure a win in their group.
Despite this setback, the Cypriot team has shown resilience in friendly matches, going unbeaten in their last four, including a commendable 1-1 draw with Latvia.
This positive streak in non-competitive games suggests a gradual improvement under the guidance of coach Temur Ketsbaia.
Serbia's Recent Team Form
On the other hand, Serbia is coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to Russia, a result that they will be eager to bounce back from.
Having qualified for Euro 2024, the Serbian team, led by Dragan Stojkovic, boasts a mix of experienced and talented players who have previously shown their capability on the European stage.
Team News
Cyprus Team News
For Cyprus, Temur Ketsbaia is expected to utilize his squad fully, giving several players the chance to prove their worth.
Key figures like Grigoris Kastanos, who plies his trade with Salernitana in Italy, are expected to bring their A-game.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, Cyprus will look to players like Ioannis Pittas to spark their attack against a strong Serbian side.
Serbia Team News
Serbia will likely introduce changes following their defeat to Russia. Stars such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are set to feature, providing the team with a significant boost in attacking prowess.
The experience of Dusan Tadic and the reliability of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic will be crucial for Serbia as they aim to return to winning ways.
Scoreline Prediction
Serbia possesses a robust squad that, despite a recent setback, has the depth and quality to challenge any team.
Cyprus, while improving, still faces challenges, especially in converting chances into goals.
Considering both teams' forms and the historical context, a 2-0 victory for Serbia seems plausible.
This match offers Cyprus a chance to test themselves against a high-calibre opponent, while Serbia will view it as an opportunity to refine their tactics and regain confidence after their loss to Russia.
FAQ
When is the Cyprus vs Serbia match? The match is scheduled for the 25th of March, 2024.
Where will the match be played? It will take place at the AEK Arena - George Karapatakis in Larnaca, Cyprus.
What time does the match start? Kick-off is at 5 pm UK time.
Have Cyprus and Serbia met before? Yes, they have faced each other in friendlies before, with Serbia holding a superior record.
Who are the key players to watch? For Cyprus, watch out for Grigoris Kastanos and Ioannis Pittas. Serbia’s key players include Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Cyprus 
Serbia 
