Plucky Cyprus hold Germany

Cyprus 1 Germany 1: Just over a month after humiliating the Republic of Ireland in Nicosia, Cyprus ended Germany's 100 per cent…

Cyprus 1 Germany 1:Just over a month after humiliating the Republic of Ireland in Nicosia, Cyprus ended Germany's 100 per cent Euro 2008 qualifying record by claiming a draw against Joachim Loew's injury-hit side.

Michael Ballack, celebrating his 75th international appearance, put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute of the Group D tie but there were few other clear chances for a Germany team missing a series of players through injury.

Cyprus, who beat the Republic of Ireland 5-2 last month, equalised just before halftime with a volley from Yiannakis Okkas, who squeezed his long-range shot past stand-in keeper Timo Hildebrand, who looked badly at fault.

Germany have 10 points from four games and are neck-and-neck with fellow group heavyweights Czech Repbublic. Cyprus have four points.

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