Cyprus impressed in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Lisbon on Tueday night.

The country - represented by Eleni Foureira - performed her song "Fuego" .

Her odds of winning went from 66-1 to 5-2 after the first show at Lisbon's Altice Arena, according to reports.

Israel, one of the early favourites, also qualified, but singer Netta's odds dropped 11-4.

Nineteen songs were interpreted in the opening show of which 10 qualified for the final on Saturday night. They were: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Israel and Lithuania.

Malta, with singer Christabelle, takes part in the second semi-final on Thursday when viewers will vote by televoting. But a jury submits its share of the vote during a run-through of the show on Wednesday afternoon. 

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