ANORTHOSIS Famagusta FC go into tonight’s game against Scottish side Rangers with more than just a point to prove.
Having knocked out Turkish faviroutes Trabzonspor in the previous round, in what turned out to be a historic game for the club, Anorthosis are now just two games away from a dream place in the Champions League group stages.
Goalkeeper Antonis Georgallides explains to the Cyprus Mail that this game could be a turning point for Cypriot football.
“We are totally different sides now compared to ten years ago. If anything, I believe that we are a better side now because Cypriot football is improving all the time and these latest results are an example of that. This could finally be the year for Cypriot football to make the big jump in European football”
So which game matters to him more? The one against Rangers or the famous elimination of the Turks in the previous round?
“Personally, I think the most important game for was the result that we got in Turkey. But that doesn’t mean it makes the magnitude of this game any less important for me. However, baring in mind all the factors surrounding this game and especially the treatment we got in Turkey, knocking out Trabzonspor in Turkey is that more special.”
Rangers’ Croatian striker Dado Prso had stated that if his side fails to beat Anorthosis, then they have no place in the Champions League and the Cyprus international keeper agrees.
“I believe he has a point by saying that, however, you could say that the same goes for us. Obviously if we don’t manage to put goals past them and knock them then we also have no place in the Champions League group stages. Hopefully that won’t be the case.”
Georgallides added that he wont be fearing the tall, bustling Croatian who will carrying much of Rangers’ hopes on his shoulders.
“I didn’t feel we should have to worry more about Prso because all of the Rangers players are dangerous. They are a side that can score from almost any player and we have to be wary of that fact when we play against them.”
And in such a high-profile game, it could be just what is needed for young Cypriots to show the rest of Europe that they can perform on the big stage. Georgallides has already attracted the attention of clubs in England such as QPR, Crystal Palace and Watford.
“Players wanting to attract attention from abroad should seize every game in Europe and not just one or two. Obviously, a player wanting to get attention should be up his best when facing such a big side as is Rangers not just for himself but also for the team.
“We play well as a team and that has been our strength so far. We play for the team rather than for ourselves and that has paid off for us so far.”
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Alex McLeish has admitted that fans may have to wait a while longer before they see new signing Julien Rodriguez in action. McLeish has stated that it is still to soon to feature Rodriguez into the side especially in tonight’s game.
