Inter Milan coach Mour praises tiny Famagusta

NICOSIA: Cypriot min­nows Anorthosis Famagusta twice came from behind to tame Italian giants Inter Milan in a thrilling 3-3 draw in this action-packed Group B Champions League game here on Tuesday.

Anorthosis showed dogged determination and enjoyed a large slice of lady luck against their more illustrious opponents who will be wondering how they let three points slip from their grasp.

The draw keeps the Italian club atop Group B with eight points, although it failed to clinch a spot in the last 16. Anorthosis earned more respect in Europe’s top competition by holding on to second place with five points and keeping their undefeated home record intact.

Inter twice took the lead against Anorthosis, but the Cypriots bounced back every time and even took the lead in the 50th minute through Nikos Frousos.

Inter substitute Julio Cruz managed a late equaliser nine minutes from the end to save the Serie A side’s blushes.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho praised Anorthosis but said his side were too complacent.

“We came here to win, it was easy to win but we gave the game away ... we could have scored four or five but conceding three was too many,” Mourinho told reporters. “Anorthosis played a fantastic game and I hope this serves as a landmark for progress in Cypriot football.”

After the game Mourinho walked on the pitch to personally congratulate the Anorthosis players.

Home coach Temuri Ketsbaia called the outcome a “just result” and said his team deserved their good fortune as they played with “desire and passion”.

“This result was not an accident,” said the ex-Newcastle player. — Agencies