Cyprus grabs tie with Portugal in wild 4-4 match

Tiny Cyprus pulled off a shocker as they held mighty Portugal to a 4-4 draw in the opening match of Euro 2012 qualifying.  Few expected such a wide open soccer game and nobody could have ever predicted Cyprus grabbing a 4-4 draw in Portugal.  Most expected a cakewalk even with Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz suspended and Cristiano Ronaldo out hurt.

Cyprus got about serving notice it would be a match early on as they scored in the 3rd minute though Efstathios Aloneftis.  Portugal answered right back only minutes later.  It was to be this way all night.  Four goals in the opening 22 minutes had it 2-2 heading to halftime.

Miguel Danny looked to have restored order early in the 2nd half as he put Portugal in front 3-2, but once again the goal was answered almost immediately as Cyprus tied the game at 3-3 with a goal from Yiannis Okkas.  Manuel Fernandes pushed Portugal back in front 4-3 and it looked like the goal would stand as the winner until only 4 minutes from time. 

Andreas Avraam would be the hero for Cyprus as Portugal keeper Eduardo could not handle a ball in front and Avraam headed home the tying goal.  Definitely a disappointing result for Portugal who now must travel to Norway next.