Cyprus 2-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina Player Ratings: Laifis Rated 8.5/10 as Late Penalty Drama Secures 2-2 Draw for Cyprus

Bosnia and Herzegovina looked to be cruising, establishing a comfortable 2-0 lead that felt almost unassailable in the first half of this WC Qualification Europe clash with just 37% of possession in the first half. The visitors opened the scoring through a poacher's finish from Forward Nikola Katic, and a truly unfortunate own goal from the goalkeeper doubled their lead. At that point, you'd have been forgiven for thinking it was game over for Cyprus.

However, a crucial goal from Konstantinos Laifis just before the break changed everything. It gave Cyprus some hope, and they came out for the second half with renewed belief. The game culminated most dramatically possible. A late, late penalty in stoppage time, calmly converted by Ioannis Pittas, snatched a point from the jaws of defeat for the home side in this thrilling match.

Here are Cyprus Vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Player Ratings

Bosnia and Herzegovina Player Ratings vs Cyprus

Here are Bosnia and Herzegovina Player Ratings vs Cyprus

Goalkeeper

Nikola Vasilj - 6.0: It was a strange evening for the keeper. He conceded two goals, but one was a penalty he had no chance on. Made a key save late on to keep his team level before the penalty drama unfolded. We noticed his distribution was a bit hurried at times, but he wasn't directly at fault for the collapse.

Defenders

Nihad Mujakic - 6.0: A difficult 45 minutes for the defender. He picked up a yellow card and seemed to struggle with the movement of Cyprus's attackers. It wasn't a surprise to see him substituted at halftime as the manager looked to change things up. He just never seemed to find his footing in the game.

Tarik Muharemović - 7.0: From our perspective, he was a rock at the back for most of the game. He was an absolute monster in the air, winning most of his aerial duels and making a staggering 16 clearances. He put his body on the line time and again. It's a shame his defense couldn't hold on for the win.

Nikola Katic - 7.5: A fantastic performance from the defender. He got his team off to a perfect start by being in the right place at the right time to score the opener. Defensively, he was solid, making six clearances and winning his duels. He can hold his head high despite the result.

Amar Dedić - 6.0: An energetic but ultimately frustrating display. He was constantly involved, getting up and down the wing, but his final ball was often lacking. What stood out to us was how often he lost possession, which put his team under unnecessary pressure. A mixed bag of a performance.

Midfielders

Benjamin Tahirović - 6.0: A battling performance in midfield, but he was often second-best. He struggled to impose himself on the game, losing the majority of his duels. The yellow card he picked up was a sign of his frustration. He worked hard but lacked real quality on the day.

Armin Gigovic - 6.0: A quiet outing for the midfielder, who was largely anonymous before being substituted. He failed to make a significant impact on the proceedings. We expected more from him in the middle of the park. It felt like the game passed him by.

Ivan Sunjic - 5.0: A day to forget for Sunjic. His performance was defined by one moment of madness, conceding the stoppage-time penalty that cost his team two points. Beyond that, he committed six fouls and picked up a booking. It was a reckless and costly display that ultimately undid all his team's hard work.

Amar Memic - 6.0: He was busy and involved but his decision-making let him down. An error leading to a shot is a major black mark against his name. He just couldn't provide the spark his team needed in the final third. A performance that promised more than it delivered.

Kerim Alajbegovic - 6.0: Showed flashes of what he can do but was too inconsistent. He committed a number of fouls and received a yellow card for his troubles. He was full of running but his end product wasn't there. A learning experience for the young player.

Forwards

Edin Džeko - 6.5: A classic Džeko performance in some ways, and a frustrating one in others. Creating five chances is an incredible return for a striker, showing his vision and intelligence. However, he lost possession far too many times and was ineffective in his duels. He was a creator but not the clinical finisher his team needed.

Substitutes

Dzenis Burnic - 6.0: Came on at halftime but failed to help his side regain control. Was tidy enough in possession but didn't change the flow of the game.

Esmir Bajraktarevic - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on, getting a couple of shots on target and asking questions of the defense.

Ivan Basic - 6.0: Brought on to add fresh legs in midfield but couldn't stem the Cypriot tide.

Nail Omerovic - N/A: Came on late and didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Dino Besirovic - N/A: A late cameo with little time to influence the match.

Manager

S. Barbarez - 5.5: From our perspective, he will be furious with his team. To be 2-0 up and in complete control, only to throw it away, is inexcusable. His substitutions didn't have the desired effect of seeing out the game. A very disappointing result to oversee.

Cyprus Player Ratings vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Here are Cyprus Player Ratings vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Goalkeeper

Neofytos Michail - 6.0: What a bizarre game for a goalkeeper. He was credited with a horribly unlucky own goal which could have broken his spirit. But to his credit, he responded well and made four saves to keep his team in it. The error was significant, but his response was commendable.

Defenders

Anderson Correia - 6.0: A fairly standard performance. He picked up an early yellow card which meant he had to be cautious. He did his defensive duties without being spectacular before being substituted. A solid, if unremarkable, shift.

Stelios Andreou - 6.5: He was very comfortable on the ball, racking up a huge number of passes from the back. However, he was part of a defensive unit that looked very vulnerable in the first half. He grew into the game as it progressed and helped build attacks from deep.

Andreas Siikkis - 6.5: We noticed he was a thorn in Bosnia's side all evening. He was a bundle of energy, making four interceptions and drawing four fouls. He put in a real shift for his team, though he was caught out a couple of times. A combative and tireless performance.

Konstantinos Laifis - 8.5: The undisputed man of the match. He was simply immense. He dragged his team back into the game with a vital goal just before halftime. Defensively, he was a giant, with nine clearances and dominating his duels. A true leader's performance when his team needed it most.

Midfielders

Charalampos Charalampous - 6.0: He struggled to get into the game and was largely ineffective. Lost most of his duels and didn't offer much creativity before being taken off. A quiet night for the midfielder, who couldn't make his mark on the contest.

Loizos Loizou - 7.0: A very lively and dangerous player. While he didn't score, he was a constant threat with his dribbling and movement. He drew several fouls in dangerous areas and was always looking to make something happen. A really positive and energetic display.

Kostakis Artymatas - 7.0: The captain led by example in the middle of the park. He was the team's metronome, dictating the tempo with his precise passing. He'll be disappointed not to have converted one of his chances, but his overall contribution was excellent. He kept his team ticking over.

Grigoris Kastanos - 8.0: A superb performance from Kastanos. He was the creative hub for Cyprus, creating two big chances and constantly drawing fouls. He was a nightmare for the Bosnian midfield to handle. His energy and quality on the ball were instrumental in the comeback.

Marinos Tzionis - 7.5: He was desperately unlucky not to score, hitting the post with a great effort. He provided the assist for the first goal and was a constant menace. His work rate was phenomenal, and he played a huge part in his team's fightback. A fantastic, all-action performance.

Forwards

Ioannis Pittas - 7.5: It's all about how you finish. He missed a big chance earlier in the game that he would have been kicking himself for. But to step up in the 96th minute and smash home a penalty to earn a point takes immense character. He delivered when it mattered most.

Substitutes

Kostas Pileas - 6.5: Added some energy down the flank after coming on, though he was caught offside once.

Andronikos Kakoullis - 6.5: Provided a different option in attack and helped put the Bosnian defense under more pressure.

Evangelos Andreou - N/A: Came on late in the game.

Nikos Koutsakos - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Charalambos Kyriakou - N/A: A late sub to see out the draw.

Manager

A. Mantzios - 7.0: He deserves immense credit. At 2-0 down, his team could have folded, but his halftime talk clearly worked wonders. His side came out with incredible spirit and fight to earn a dramatic point. He'll be proud of their character.

Sportsdunia's Player of the match is Laifis