Cyprus held Germany to a 1-1 tie on Wednesday in their Group D match in Nicosia. Germany created few good chances after Michael Ballack put it ahead in the 15th minute. Yiannakis Okkas' volley tied the score just before halftime.
"We weren't precise enough and we weren't fully concentrated," said Loew. "But we can live with this result." The tie left Germany tied with the Czech Republic after four games. Cyprus, which had beaten Ireland, 5-2, earlier in qualifying, is fourth with four points.
Elsewhere, Croatia became the first visiting team to beat Israel in Tel Aviv in seven years with a 4-3 in a key Group E qualifier. Brazilian-born striker Eduardo da Silva was Croatia's hero with a hat trick. Croatia is now in first place with 10 points, two ahead of Russia, a 2-0 winner in Macedonia.
In friendly action, England had to settle for a 1-1 tie with the Netherlands in Amsterdam when Rafael van der Vaart scored for the Oranje in the 86th minute. Wayne Rooney scored for England in the first half.
Brazil remained unbeaten under Coach Dunga with a 2-1 win over Switzerland thanks to goals by Luisao and Kaka. Marco Materazzi's own goal forced Italy to settle for a 1-1 tie with Turkey in Bergamo. Thierry Henry's goal gave France a 1-0 victory over Greece at the Stade de France on a night French soccer honored Henry and his teammates on the World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 championship teams.
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