Analysis The numbers behind the result
Montenegro's dominance in possession and chances seals narrow win
Montenegro's 2-1 victory was deserved based on their control of the game, reflected in 64% possession and a significant shot advantage (19 total shots to Cyprus's 11, with 14 inside the box compared to Cyprus's 6). Despite both teams registering 4 shots on target, Montenegro created higher-quality chances, as evidenced by their 8 corner kicks to Cyprus's 1. Nikola Krstović was pivotal, converting a 66th-minute penalty and assisting Milutin Osmajić's 86th-minute winner after Marcus Edwards had put Cyprus ahead against the run of play in the 55th minute.
The hosts' territorial dominance (530 total passes to Cyprus's 299) and relentless pressure (10 shots off goal to Cyprus's 5) ultimately broke Cyprus's resistance, with the visitors' three yellow cards highlighting their defensive struggles. Montenegro's 19 total shots, double Cyprus's blocked shots (5 to 2), and superior build-up play (464 accurate passes to 228) were the key metrics underscoring their superiority in a match where they turned possession into consistent threat.