“Hot for both sides”Scorching temperatures in Cyprus is nothing new to Rapid captain Steffen Hofmann. Despite the evening kick-off of 20:30 CET (live match coverage on ATV with studio guest Helge Payer) at the Antonis Papadopoulos stadium, the playmaker rightly states: “It will be hot for both teams.”Hofmann is also not concerned about the reception expected from the passionate Cypriot fans: “We’re used to it. The excitement that surrounds European matches has finally arrived and we want to reach the Champions League.” The first step comes this evening.“Cypriots not to be underestimated”Rapid manager Peter Pacult has urged the travelling media not to underestimate the Cypriots: “Anorthosis Famagusta won the league unbeaten. They normally start with ten foreign players and their youngest player against Armenian side FC Pyunik in the previous round was 27 years old.”Rapid last faced Cypriot opposition in 1998. Rapid knocked Omonia Nikosia out of the UEFA Cup on away goals having lost 3-1 away, but recovering with a 2-0 win at the Hanappi Stadion.Wonky goalsThe final training session yesterday evening was completed with little to report. The squad returned to the hotel without any injuries and everything looked to be on track. Almost.Keepers Georg Koch and Raimund Hedl, as well as goalkeeping coach Peter Zajicek stumbled across a curious situation during the training session at the 12,000-capacity Antonis Papadopoulos stadium. One of the goals wasn’t level, as a post had sunk too deep into the earth. As a result, there was a difference of 10cm between the height of the left and right corners. Needless to say, the problem was promptly fixed.Today’s schedule sees Rapid working indoors and focussing on tonight’s match. Kick-off is at 20:30 CET at the Antonis Papadopoulos stadium in Larnaca. Live TV coverage can be followed on ATV, with special studio guest Helge Payer.(chb/translated by Mark Bevan)Photos of the final training session at the Antonis Papadopoulos stadium
31.08.2015