Greece secured a valuable 0-0 draw against Germany at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki on Sunday, remaining unbeaten and at the top of its Nations League group after four matches.
Germany dominated much of the first half, but Greece improved significantly after the break and managed to keep the visitors away from its goal in the closing stages.
Germany dominates the first half
Greece started aggressively, creating the first major chance of the match in the second minute. Konstantinos Tsimikas advanced down the left and sent the ball into the area, where Giorgos Masouras headed from close range. Germany goalkeeper Noah Atubolu reacted well to make the save.
Germany soon took control, however, moving the ball comfortably and pushing play toward the Greek penalty area.
In the fourth minute, Serhou Guirassy tested Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, while Niclas Füllkrug threatened again five minutes later.
Tzolakis was called into action repeatedly. In the 20th minute, Guirassy fired a powerful shot from outside the area, but the Greek goalkeeper got down to make the save. Five minutes later, Tzolakis intervened again to deny David Raum from inside the box.
Germany appeared to take the lead in the 32nd minute when Niclas Füllkrug finished from close range. The goal was reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) and ruled out after it was determined that Yann Bisseck had handled the ball at the beginning of the attacking move.
Greece survived the sustained pressure and went into halftime without conceding.
Greece improves after the break
Greek coach Ivan Jovanovic made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Karetsas and Androutsos for Pavlidis and Kyziridis.
Greece looked more compact after the changes and significantly reduced the spaces Germany had exploited in the first half. The hosts also kept more possession and began building their own attacks, although they did not create a clear-cut chance.
Germany produced the first notable opportunity of the second half in the 64th minute, when Guirassy found space outside the penalty area, but his shot went wide.
As the match progressed, Greece’s defense became increasingly effective. Germany continued to have more possession and looked for openings, but could no longer create the same level of danger.
In the 84th minute, Florian Wirtz tried another shot but failed to find the target, effectively ending Germany’s last significant threat.
Greece managed the final minutes well, keeping Germany away from its penalty area and securing the 0-0 draw.
The Netherlands climb to first place
The result kept the national team at the summit, but the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 in Sunday’s match to move to eight points, now sharing first place with Greece.
Meanwhile, Germany climbed to five points and will face Serbia in the next round, while Serbia remains bottom of the group without a point.
Greece will travel to Amsterdam on November 13 to face the Netherlands, with a positive result its target as the group enters its decisive stage.
The result also secured an important advantage for Greece ahead of the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. At worst, Greece will finish among the two best third-placed teams across the four groups, which would place it in the first seeding pot for the qualifying draw, scheduled for December 6 in Belfast.
Greece’s main objective, however, is to finish in one of the top two places and secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. That would also automatically guarantee its continued presence in League A.
Three-way tie remains possible
A three-way tie at the top of the group is also possible.
If Greece wins one of its remaining matches, it will reach 11 points. The Netherlands would also reach 11 if it beats Greece but then loses to Germany. Germany, meanwhile, would reach 11 points if it defeats both Serbia and the Netherlands.
If all three teams finish on 11 points, goal difference and goals scored will determine the standings.
