But no sooner had the swap taken place than Cyprus equalised through dangerman Okkas.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales

Okkas, in particular, caught the eye as Cyprus channelled much of their attacking play through the Celta Vigo forward.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales

Collins, playing on the right of a three-man Wales central defence, in particular had struggled to deal with the lively Okkas.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales

Yiannis Okkas claimed two close-range goals in a fine display, while a Konstantinos Charalampidis header from another set piece finished Wales off.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales

Aloneftis needed no second invitation on the back post to send the ball back across the area and Okkas smashed home his second goal from two yards.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales

Duff had a half-chance saved by Antonis Georgallides in the 17th minute but Ioannis Okkas tested Given a minute later after he had completely deceived the struggling Paul McShane.

BBC: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Cyprus

Okkas had the ball in the back of the Wales net within two minutes of the restart, but the striker had strayed marginally offside and was denied by the assistant's flag.

BBC: Cyprus 3-1 Wales